Mozambique: Population abandons villages and agricultural plots for fear of attacks
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Cahora Bassa Hydroelectric Plant (HCB) on Thursday started increasing discharges into the Zambezi River in order to safeguard its dam.
Levels in the reservoir are increasing, Director General of the Zambezi Water Regional Administration (ARA – Zambezi) Custódio Vicente on Saturday.
“The water discharges will gradually rise to about 3,200 cubic metres per second from Monday, March 25. This operation aims to ensure the dam’s recommended control and safety conditions,” he said.
In view of hydrological conditions, water levels in the main course of the Zambezi River are expected to remain high until the end of this month, especially the lower Zambezi region and districts of Doa and Mutarara in Tete province, Tambara in Manica province, Chemba, Caia and Marromeu in Sofala province, and Morrumbala, Mopeia, Luabo and Chinde in Zambezia province.
“In this context, ARA-Zambezi calls on the general population and public and private entities to take precautionary measures and to withdraw from flood risk areas along the Zambezi basin and avoid crossing rivers”, the director general warned.
The negative impact was expected to be low since water was being released gradually and in coordination with HCB, he added.
An alert advising caution nevertheless remains in place, because water levels may rise. Rain is forecast both in the region and in neighbouring Malawi, where great Zambezi tributaries such as the Revubue and Chire are found.
The Revubue recently overflowed, killing at least 15 people and displacing 1,200 families, who are now living in two accommodation centres, AIM Mozambique writes.
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