Mozambique deals with flooding in aftermath of Storm Freddy

By AT editor - 26 February 2023 at 1:21 am
Mozambique deals with flooding in aftermath of Storm Freddy

Authorities in Mozambique say excessive rainfall from the remnants of Tropical Storm Freddy continue to threaten the southern African nation, with the National Institute of Meteorology (INAM) forecasting rains of 200 millimeters through Monday in the Gaza, Manica, Inhambane, and Sofala.

The storm’s landfall on Friday followed two weeks of heavy rains and flooding in Mozambique, and added to the country’s challenges. Maputo is working to prevent a cholera outbreak from spilling into the country from neighboring Malawi, and continues to deal with humanitarian aid and food security needs, especially in the northern Cabo Delgado region.

“Widespread damages to public infrastructure and service have also been reported, including 1,012 schools, 55 health units and 3,489 kilometers of roads,” said a statement released Sunday by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA).

“At least six centralized water supply systems and an unknown number of water sources have been damaged leaving thousands of people with no access to safe water,” said UNOCHA. “Damages to road infrastructure are severely limiting economic activity, trade and movements across the country.”

There were no reports of fatalities from the storm, which made landfall on Friday in the Inhambane province after first striking Madagascar and then crossing the channel to the African mainland.

At least seven people died in the Indian Ocean island nation, according to an update Sunday from the National Bureau of Risk and Disaster Management (BNGRC). More than 37,000 people were displaced from their homes on Madagascar.

Image: UNOCHA Madagascar

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