HARARE, March 26. /TASS/. At least four people were killed and about 50,000 were injured as a result of severe floods in southern Mozambique, the local AIM agency reports, citing preliminary data from Agostinho Vilankulo, head of the Mozambican National Department of Water Basin Management.
According to the official, prolonged heavy rains led to flooding in the capital city of Maputo, as well as in Boane and Matola in Maputo Province, and Xai-Xai in Gaza Province. By the end of the week, from 100 to 300 mm of precipitation is also expected in Inhambane, Cabo Delgado, Manica, Nampula, Nyasa and Sofala provinces. About 40,000 people were forced to leave their homes, after they began to take on water.
The National Institute for Disaster Management has declared a red danger level in the country. Last Sunday and Monday, an average of 150 mm of precipitation fell in the capital, Maputo, which led to flooding of many neighborhoods in the downtown area.
The authorities are creating temporary accommodation centers for residents who find themselves homeless. As well, many schools have been closed as a precautionary measure.