MOZAMBIQUE: FLOODS IN MAPUTO CITY AND

PROVINCE - Flash Update No.1

As of 11 February 2023

HIGHLIGHTS
 Heavy rains hit the southern region of Mozambique over the
past ten days, causing widespread floodings and structural
damages, particularly in Maputo city and Maputo province.
 At least 30,600 people (5,721 families) have reportedly been
affected by flooding, including 422 people displaced and four
deaths.

 All river basins – Maputo, Goba, Magude, Megaruma,

Mutarara, and Congerenge – that are being monitored are
above the threshold levels; all dams are open.
 National authorities, with humanitarian partners, are leading
preliminary assessments of needs and damages, as well as
initial multisectoral emergency response activities. Affected house in Maputo. Credit: INGD

 Serious concerns persist about the impact of the rain and further water release from dams on highly vulnerable people
and the limited resources available to respond to the unfolding needs.

SITUATION OVERVIEW
Between 7-10 February, heavy rains reaching up to 100mm in 24 hours hit the southern region of the country, causing
widespread flooding in Maputo city and Maputo province. According to the National Institute for Disaster Management and
Risk Reduction (INGD), the rain already affected some 30,605 people (5,721 families), displaced 422 people, and killed
four people. Five accommodation centers have been established that are currently hosting 422 people.

According to preliminary data from authorities, eight houses have been partially destroyed and 4,286 have been flooded,
while five health units and 13 schools across the province have been reportedly damaged by the rain. Power cuts have
been reported in all the areas affected – particularly around the basins of the rivers Maputo, Incomáti, and Umbelúzi –
where the alert level has been reached. Movement across the region has also been curtailed. The Provincial Delegation of
the National Roads Administration (DPANE) reported that the roads N2 (Matola/Boane), N3 (Impaputo/Goba),
R408/CrzR407, CrzR407/CrzN3, N200, R406 (Salamanga/Catuane), R402 (Moamba/Sabie), and NC (Mazambanine/ETA)
are currently impassable.

The National Institute of Meteorology (INAM) warned that heavy rains and strong winds will continue to hit the southern
provinces of the country, possibly for the next 14 days. Authorities estimate that an additional 53,000 people could be
affected as a result of weather conditions combined with water releases in dams further upstream. Humanitarian partners
are monitoring the situation and mobilising to support government-led efforts.

Since October 2022, the rainy/cyclonic season impacted a total of 78,173 people (14,133 families), causing 98 injuries and
88 deaths, across Mozambique. Some 3,297 houses have been partially destroyed, 1,777 totally destroyed, and 9,556
flooded. Widespread damages to public infrastructure and service have also been reported, including 328 schools, eight
health units, 36 power poles, and 3,489km of roads.

HUMANITARIAN RESPONSE
INGD has been leading and coordinating preliminary assessments of needs and damages, as well as the initial emergency
response activities, with the support of humanitarian organizations. Government search and rescue operations have pulled
14,000 people to safety, including by using 13 boats. It has established five accommodation centres in the heavily-affected
districts of Boane (2), Namaacha (2), and Matola City (1), in Maputo province to host the people displaced. INGD made
available ten tons of rice and provided food and non-food items assistance to people in accommodation centres, in
partnership with the Municipal Councils of Matola and Boane.

Authorities have also been working on increasing drainage capacity, pumping and cleaning of ditches, as well as conducting
awareness-raising activities to increase the resilience of housing.

United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

www.unocha.org/mozambique
 Flash Update | 2

Humanitarian partners are working with INGD’s National Emergency Operations Centre to develop a response plan,
identifying sectoral needs and gaps. Humanitarian partners are also reviewing their stock availability, to assist affected
people based on Government’s current and projected needs.
_________________
For more information, please contact OCHA Mozambique:
Paola Serrao Emerson, Head of Office, emersonp@un.org
Federica D’Andreagiovanni, Head of Communications/IM Unit, dandreagiovannif@un.org

United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

www.unocha.org