Mozambique – Floods in North Leave 11 Dead and Homes Destroyed

The government in Mozambique said that heavy rain and flooding in northern areas of the country has left at least 11 people dead and affected over 75,000 people.

The provinces of Nampula, Niassa and Cabo Delgado have all seen heavy rain since 14 January, 2018, triggered by a tropical depression. The city of Nampula recorded over 450 mm of rain between 15 and 19 January.

Local media, quoting sources from Mozambique’s National Directorate of Water Resources (DNRH) said that, as of 19 January, the Messalo, Megaruma and Monapo rivers had all burst their banks.

Nampula Province

At least 9 of the fatalities occurred in Nampula, which is the worst hit province. Images on Social Media showed streets of Nacala city in Nampula swamped in mud and flood water over 1.5 metres deep.

The World Food Programme, the food-assistance branch of the United Nations, said via Social Media that 8 health units and 422 classrooms were affected in Nampula.

Power cables and poles have also been damaged, leaving some areas without electricity. Roads have been flooded and some areas left isolated. WFP said they have assisted 13,892 families with food.

Marc Nosbach, Country Director of CARE International in Mozambique, said that more than 5,000 homes have been destroyed in the province. Local media are reporting figures between 7,000 and 15,000.

Social Media

Flood Summary

Last updated: January 25, 2018
Event
Northern Mozambique, January 2018
Date
January 15, 2018
Type
Urban flood, Flash flood, River flood
Cause
Extreme rainfall, Long-term rainfall

Locations

A - Nampula
B - Niassa
C - Cabo Delgado

Magnitude

River level
Overflowing
Messalo river, Nampula province - January 17 to January 25, 2018
According to local media, quoting sources from Mozambique’s National Directorate of Water Resources (DNRH). No further figures are available.
River level
Overflowing
Megaruma river, Nampula province - January 17 to January 25, 2018
According to local media, quoting sources from Mozambique’s National Directorate of Water Resources (DNRH). No further figures are available.
River level
Overflowing
Monapo river, Nampula province - January 17 to January 25, 2018
According to local media, quoting sources from Mozambique’s National Directorate of Water Resources (DNRH). No further figures are available.
Rainfall level
55 mm in 24 hours
Angoche - January 19 to January 20, 2018
Rainfall level
178 mm in 24 hours
Nampula city - January 18 to January 19, 2018
Rainfall level
143 mm in 24 hours
Nampula city - January 17 to January 18, 2018
Rainfall level
108 mm in 24 hours
Nampula city - January 15 to January 16, 2018
Rainfall level
87 mm in 24 hours
Lumbo - January 14 to January 15, 2018
Rainfall level
106.8
Quelimane - January 14 to January 15, 2018

Damages

Fatalities
11 people
Mozambique - January 17 to January 24, 2018
9 people died in Nampula province
Buildings destroyed
5000 buildings
Nampula province - January 17 to January 24, 2018
Figures given vary from 4,000 to 15,000. CARE International reported 5,000
Affected
75,000
Mozambique - January 17 to January 25, 2018