Downloads of the South African dam worsen floods in Mozambique

Athe Mozambican authorities today warned that the discharges of the South African Pongolapoort dam could aggravate the floods in the Maputo river basin in the next 48 hours, after increasing the flow rate to 700 cubic meters.

“ The effects of this discharge may be felt in Mozambican territory within 48 hours of issuing this statement. During this period, the river flow is expected to continue to rise and reach its peak”, refers to a statement from the Mozambican National Water Resources Management Directorate (DNGRH), released today.

According to the document, the risk is due to the increase in the Pongolapoort discharge rate on Sunday to 700 cubic meters per second and may aggravate the floods in riverside areas along the Maputo River basin.

“ The increase in flow rate may aggravate the flood in the machambas [agricultural fields] in the riverside areas and condition the road traffic in the localities of Catuane, Salamanga and Tinonganine”, says DNGRH.

In view of the planned scenario, the Mozambican authorities recommend local communities to avoid crossing the river and entering flooded areas, especially in agricultural areas affected by rising waters.

The institution also advises that, where crossing is indispensable, the population coordinate with the National Institute for Disaster Risk Management and Reduction (INGD) the use of vessels that meet safety conditions.

DNGRH has ensured that it will continue to monitor dam discharges and monitor water levels in Madubula, announcing that it will disclose updates as the hydrological situation evolves.

Mozambique is considered one of the most vulnerable African countries to the effects of climate change, facing regularly floods, tropical cyclones and severe storms.

According to the National Institute for Disaster Risk Management and Reduction (INGD), the last rainy season, from October 2025 to April 2026, caused 311 deaths and affected about 1.07 million people.

On July 10, Inam announced the availability of nine more drones and 30 certified operators to support mapping difficult-to-reach areas during extreme weather events, collecting data, and supporting search and rescue operations.

“ We have noticed that, when there is an event or a disaster, full, it is difficult to know what the situation is on the other side, where there are floods, what is happening, and there is a need to map, if there are people there above the trees that need to be removed, when going there it becomes difficult ", said the director-general of Inam, Adérito Aramuge.