Umbeluzi river submerges Zambanine bridge, restricting transitability in Boane

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Umbeluzi river submerges Zambanine bridge, restricting transitability in Boane

2:09 CAT | 15 Mar 2024

Photo: Miramar

The Southern Regional Water Administration yesterday warned the public to avoid crossing the Umbeluzi, Incomati, Limpopo and Maputo rivers for the following 24 hours, with strong water flow caused by high levels of runoff following heavy rain in the previous 48 hours

The passage of Tropical Storm Filipo in Maputo province once again limited the movement of people and goods between the 25 de Setembro neighbourhood and the town of Boane.

With the rain that fell, the Mazambanine bridge was submerged – and the old crossing problem once again resurfaced.

The situation began this Wednesday, when the flow of the Umbeluzi River began to overtop the Mazambanine bridge.

The fact repeats itself within a year of the last occurrence in February last year, causing floods and the displacement of many families.

Boastb.m

At the moment, people are using local boats for the crossing, and one belonging to the National Institute for Disaster Risk Management and Reduction (INGD).

The Southern Regional Water Administration yesterday warned the public to avoid crossing the Umbeluzi, Incomati, Limpopo and Maputo rivers for the following 24 hours, with strong water flow caused by high levels of runoff following heavy rain in the previous 48 hours.

Heavy rains caused by Severe Storm Filipo increased water runoff levels, causing strong currents in the river course, making rivers dangerous to cross using any type of boat, the Southern Regional Water Administration warned.

Precipitation had reached a peak of around 220 millimetres across the entire territory, and it was expected that the situation would normalise in the next few days.

The Southern Regional Water Administration had further clarified yesterday that high water levels did not necessarily mean flooding, while urging the population to remain on the alert.

Source: Miramar / O País