Rains flood and isolate neighbourhoods in Beira, Mozambique

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Rains flood and isolate neighbourhoods in Beira, Mozambique

12:39 CAT | 01 Mar 2016

Notícias / A view of one of the flooded neighbourhoods of Beira, capital of Sofala central province

Heavy rains in the city of Beira and surrounding areas since the early hours of last Sunday, aggravated by the poor condition of the drainage system, have left many homes flooded and even entire neighbourhoods isolated, with all the attendant consequences, Notícias reports.

The neighbourhoods of Munhava, Praia Nova, Manga Macurungo, Goto, Chota, Chipangara, Aeroporto, Inhamudima, Vaz, Muchatazina and Ndunda are among the worst affected, with residents facing difficulty going about their daily lives.

In densely populated Munhava, for instance, Notícias saw residents trying to open small ditches for the rainwater to flow away, while in Ndunda, Nhacondjo and Vaz, the same scenario was repeated.

According to witnesses, some latrines are also flooded, causing human waste to mix with water, exacerbating the already poor sanitation system in these densely populated neighbourhoods.

The access roads to these neighbourhoods are flooded, forcing residents to attempt an obstacle course to reach their homes.

Many other roads have been damaged with the force of the water opening huge potholes.

As a result, many of the residents have been unable to get to work. Others have had to partially strip in order to leave or reach their homes and dress elsewhere before going to work.

People who usually use motorbikes or bicycles are also encountering difficulties, some even though opting for other means of transport.

As a result of rain falling in Beira until around 3.00 p.m. yesterday, normal road traffic was impossible in streets number 2 and 33 in the neighbourhoods of Chingussura and Alto da Manga.

In urban areas, the poor condition of the roads whose numerous holes are in dry weather filled with sand or clay is now plain to see.

Driving on many of the city’s main roads is dangerous and requires exemplary driving skills.

Source: Notícias