Rain in Mecanhelas: Bridges submerged on the R720: People risk crossing in strong water currents.

 

The district of Mecanhelas is isolated from the rest of Niassa Province due to the overflow of the Muanda River.

Amid the ongoing rains in this region of southern Niassa, two bridges in the Matequesso area on the Mecanhelas-Cuamba road have been submerged since the morning of Wednesday, March 12.

Despite the dangers, some people are daring to cross the intense water currents. Several young people are stationed at the location to help others cross, charging a certain fee, which can reach 200Mt.

District authorities warn residents to be patient and wait for the situation to normalize before attempting to cross, in order to avoid preventable incidents. The District Director of Planning and Infrastructure assures that the river’s water levels will not remain high for long. (Jaime Paculeque)