Mozambican authorities have called for the immediate evacuation of people living in low-lying areas of the districts of Magude, Manhiça, Xinavane and Ilha Josina Machel, following a deterioration in hydrological conditions caused by heavy rainfall in recent days.
The Save River is on alert, with water levels rising steadily. In total, seven national river basins remain under alert. Although water discharges from some dams have begun to slow, the risk of flooding remains high due to the large volumes of water, particularly in the district of Chókwè. Authorities warn of potentially significant impacts on riverside communities and urge residents not to attempt to cross rivers and to leave areas considered at risk. The Búzi river basin also remains under close monitoring because of high water levels.
Regarding the Massingir Dam, authorities told Miramar television that water releases are being adjusted in line with the hydrological situation, with the aim of minimising downstream flood impacts.
Nevertheless, the risk of flooding persists.
In the city of Xai-Xai, the flood peak has recently been reached, a situation similar to that recorded in Curumana. Despite some signs of stabilisation, monitoring remains active due to the possibility of further rises in river flow.
Meanwhile, the National Directorate for Water Resources Management (DNGRH), through its director, Agostinho Vilanculos, has warned of the risk of a dam collapse in South Africa following intense rainfall over the past few days. The dam in question is the Senteeko Dam, built on the Crocodile River and located in Barberton, within the Mbombela municipality, which is reportedly showing signs of erosion.
The Crocodile River is one of the main tributaries of the Incomáti River, meaning that a potential collapse of the dam could worsen the hydrological situation in Mozambique, particularly in the low-lying areas of Magude and Manhiça. For this reason, the DNGRH has reiterated its call for the immediate evacuation of residents in these areas.
In South Africa, dam safety specialists and engineers continue to work to prevent the collapse of the structure. Should the situation deteriorate further, traffic on National Road Number One (EN1) in Mozambique could remain restricted.
