Since December 21, heavy rains have caused major flooding in southern Mozambique, submerging roads, homes and agricultural land. In low-lying areas around the capital Maputo and Boane district, residents face rising water levels that make travel extremely dangerous.
Sónia André, vegetable seller in Boane, testifies to the violence of the floods: "Very scared... On the way out, everything was fine. I walked there and it was passable... On the way back, it was complicated... Yes, water is powerful... But thank God we made it... We are alive. Thanks to God. "
Local authorities are increasing efforts to evacuate populations. Boane administrator Lázaro Mbambamba emphasizes the seriousness of the situation:
Our main challenge is to convince residents to leave their homes. Today, more than ever, we urge them to evacuate risk areas. We act in coordination with the armed forces and the commander, our partner on the ground. There is no tolerance for those who remain in dangerous areas: they must leave voluntarily, or the government, in collaboration with the defense forces, will carry out their forced evacuation, in accordance with the red alert in force. "
In the Boane district, 30 km from Maputo, many families remain isolated and some roads are impassable. Rescue teams are distributing food aid and assistance, while schools have been identified to accommodate displaced families.
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