BY MFANUFIKILE KHATHWANE
MBABANE – The Incomati and Maputo Watercourse Commission (INMACOM) has issued a strong regional warning in a statement released on January 15, 2026, alerting communities and authorities in Mozambique, Eswatini and South Africa as water levels across key transboundary river systems rise to dangerous levels following persistent heavy rainfall.
INMACOM cautions that the Incomati, Maputo and Mbuluzi rivers have all reached flood alert status, with a high likelihood of flooding in downstream areas. The situation is being intensified by continued rainfall, as well as controlled and emergency water releases from dams that are now at, or beyond, their safe operating capacity.
The Commission warns that rivers flowing from South Africa and Eswatini into Mozambique are experiencing particularly rapid increases in flow. Several dams across the three countries are already overflowing, significantly heightening the risk to downstream communities, infrastructure and agricultural land.
In Eswatini, authorities have confirmed that major dams have exceeded safe levels, including Mnjoli Dam at over 109 per cent capacity and Lubovane Dam at more than 103 per cent. Water levels in the Komati and Mbuluzi rivers continue to rise steadily, prompting advisories for communities to remain vigilant and prepare for possible flooding.
South Africa is also on high alert, with Morgenstond and Nooitgedacht dams exceeding 95 per cent capacity. Localised flooding has been reported in parts of Mpumalanga and Limpopo, while the South African National Parks authority has restricted access to some Kruger National Park camps as a safety precaution.
Downstream, Mozambique faces the greatest risk. The Pequenos Libombos Dam, a key source of water for the Maputo metropolitan area, is full and overflowing, with floodgates opened to prevent structural damage.
Increased discharges from Pequenos Libombos and the Pongolapoort (Jozini) Dam in South Africa are further elevating water levels in the Maputo River, triggering flood alerts at monitoring stations such as Madubula and raising concern in districts including Matutuíne.
INMACOM has warned that weather forecasts indicate the current storm system is likely to persist in the coming days, potentially worsening flood conditions across the region. The Commission has urged communities, especially those living downstream of rivers and dams, to avoid crossing flooded waterways, take immediate steps to protect lives and property, and follow official warnings without delay.
The regional body stressed that the situation requires heightened cooperation among member states, noting that floods do not respect national borders. “This is a shared risk that demands shared responsibility,” INMACOM said, urging authorities and citizens alike to remain alert as Southern Africa faces one of its most critical flood threats of the season.
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