Stormy weather leads to orange alert

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Stormy weather leads to orange alert

8:20 CAT | 19 Jan 2017

Folha de Maputo

The Mozambican government’s Disaster Management Technical Council (CTGC) on Wednesday recommended the declaration of an orange alert across the entire country, because of the heavy rains and high winds that have characterized 2017 so far.

The spokesperson for the CTGC, Paulo Tomas, told reporters that the purpose of the alert “is to strengthen monitoring and limit the damage that may occur resulting from adverse or unexpected events”.

The orange alert will run alongside the existing red alert, arising from the severe drought of 2016, in the south of the country. The number of drought victims in need of assistance currently stands at 1.6 million.

From 1 October (the start of the 2016/17 rainy season) to 17 January (Tuesday), the Mozambican relief agency, the National Disaster Management Institute (INGC) estimates that over 70,000 people have been adversely affected by the heavy rains and high winds. 8,153 houses have been destroyed in the storms and 9,852 have been damaged.

This month, 9,364 people were affected, particularly in the southern cities of Maputo, Matola and Xai-Xai.

The National Meteorology Institute (INAM) forecasts continued rain, particularly in coastal regions. Thunderstorms, with moderate to strong rainfall, and winds of up to 60 kilometers an hour are likely along the coast and in the Mozambique Channel.

Rough seas are forecast, with waves up to four meters high. INAM warns small boats and anyone planning on bathing in the Mozambique Channel to take adequate precautions.

Source: AIM