Southern and central Mozambique are currently grappling with severe flooding, an event described as being as bad as the devastating floods experienced in 2000. The situation is expected to worsen as more rain is forecast for today and tomorrow, coupled with additional floodwaters anticipated to flow into rivers from South Africa and Zimbabwe, which have also been hit by torrential rainfall.

All dams in the southern regions of Mozambique are at full capacity, meaning any further incoming water will continue directly down the rivers, exacerbating the flood conditions. As of Friday, the Limpopo River was reported to be 3.4 meters above its flood alert level, resulting in the towns of Chóckwè and Guija being submerged under water.

The critical north-south N1 road has been severely impacted, with sections in Maputo and Gaza provinces either flooded or washed out, effectively cutting off all north-south road access. Miguel Coanai, Deputy General Director of the National Roads Administration (ANE), issued a warning on Saturday, stating that it is currently impossible for motorists to travel north from Maputo. The rapid rise of river levels caught many by surprise, leading to over a thousand vehicles becoming trapped on higher ground between inundated road sections.

The floods have also caused disruptions to air and rail travel. LAM has initiated special flights between Maputo and Xai-Xai to manage the crisis, while the railway line connecting to Zimbabwe has also been severed. A dramatic incident occurred near Chóckwè where a minibus became trapped in the floodwaters, with 12 individuals, including a baby, spotted standing on its roof as the vehicle was already partially submerged. President Daniel Chapo, who was conducting an aerial survey of the affected zone by helicopter, landed at a nearby airstrip and dispatched his helicopter to rescue the stranded individuals.

Beyond the primary affected areas, parts of Matola, Maputo, and Boane in Maputo province are also experiencing flooding. The Umbaluzi River has risen 2.4 meters above its flood alert level, and the Incomati River is 3.5 meters above its alert level. Furthermore, flooding has been reported in Sofala and Manica provinces, particularly in Buzi, with the Buzi and Pungue rivers also exceeding their flood alert levels.