Mozambique’s Maputo River basin faces a moderate risk of flooding following planned annual water discharge from the South African Pongolapoort Dam, which is scheduled to begin on 2 November.
According to a statement released by the National Directorate of Water Resources Management (DNGRH), the water discharge is expected to reach a maximum flow of 700 cubic metres per second on 8 November, with the aim of replenishing reservoirs in the surrounding floodplains. The institution has warned of the potential risk of flooding.
The increased flow could raise water levels at the Madubula hydrometric station in southern Maputo province to up to two metres above the alert level from 13 November, potentially flooding agricultural fields and disrupting road traffic.
The areas at risk include the settlements of Catuane, Salamanga and Tinonganine, where riverside communities have been advised to avoid crossing the riverbed and exercise extra caution when travelling on roads.
The DNGRH has urged farmers to identify fields at risk of flooding and bring forward harvesting wherever it is safe to do so. It also advised farmers to postpone new planting in areas susceptible to flooding.
The institution further called on communities to follow hydrological updates and comply with instructions from the relevant authorities to minimize the risks associated with rising water levels.
Source: AIM