BY MBONO MDLULI
MBABANE– The High Commission of the Kingdom of Eswatini to Mozambique has issued a timely advisory to Emaswati planning to travel to Maputo, urging caution due to road closures and disruptions caused by widespread flooding in many parts of the Southern African Region, following persistent heavy rainfall.
In a statement issued through Eswatini Government channels, the High Commission warned that the Boane road leading to Matola and Maputo has been heavily affected by floods, making travel unsafe in certain areas. The advisory forms part of ongoing efforts by Eswatini authorities to prioritise the safety and wellbeing of citizens during the current period of extreme weather in the region.
The warning comes amid reports from Mozambican authorities and regional agencies indicating that heavy rainfall has severely disrupted transport networks across Mozambique. According to the Club of Mozambique, road traffic between the southern, central and northern regions of the country has been halted since Sunday due to flooding along the National Highway Number One (N1), particularly in areas between the Save River and Muxungue, including the Muar and Ripembe rivers.
Information provided by ReliefWeb confirms that several parts of Mozambique are experiencing significant flooding, particularly in the central provinces of Sofala and Zambezia. The rainfall has resulted in humanitarian challenges, including displacement and infrastructure damage. As of 14 January, Mozambique’s National Institute for Disaster Risk Management and Reduction (INGD) reported dozens of fatalities, injuries, and thousands of people evacuated to temporary accommodation centres, highlighting the severity of the situation.
Further complicating conditions, the Mozambican National Institute of Meteorology (INAM) has issued a red alert for very heavy rainfall in central and southern Mozambique, including Maputo city, warning that rainfall could exceed 50 millimetres within 24 hours, with some areas experiencing over 100 millimetres. The forecast also includes severe thunderstorms and strong winds, with the alert remaining in effect until 16 January.
Mozambican authorities have responded decisively by ordering evacuations from low-lying and flood-prone areas in the provinces of Gaza and Maputo, in an effort to protect lives. The National Directorate for Water Resources Management has estimated that hundreds of thousands of people may be at risk of evacuation should water levels continue to rise.
Despite the challenges, Mozambican President Daniel Chapo has expressed solidarity with affected communities, assuring citizens that government is actively responding to the crisis and addressing both humanitarian and infrastructure needs. Regional cooperation and disaster response mechanisms remain in place as authorities work to mitigate the impact of the floods.
Against this backdrop, Eswatini’s High Commission has reiterated its appeal to Emaswati travellers to remain vigilant, avoid affected routes, and postpone non-essential travel where possible. Citizens are encouraged to monitor official advisories and prioritise safety during this period of inclement weather.
The Government of Eswatini continues to monitor developments closely and stands ready to provide consular support where necessary. The advisory underscores the importance of preparedness, regional information sharing and collective responsibility in safeguarding lives during extreme weather events.
As weather patterns remain unpredictable, travellers are urged to stay informed, exercise caution and adhere to guidance issued by both Eswatini and Mozambican authorities, reinforcing the shared commitment to safety across the region.
(Featured Image by: SABC News)
