The city of Pemba, in Cabo Delgado, once again faced serious mobility challenges following heavy rainfall accompanied by strong winds and thunderstorms yesterday afternoon, leaving several areas nearly impassable.
According to residents, light rain began around 1:00 p.m., gradually intensifying over time. It was accompanied by strong wind gusts and lightning, causing widespread concern among the population.
The rainfall, which lasted for about three hours, was enough to worsen the already fragile condition of access roads in several neighborhoods across the city. As has been common in recent years, the rain led to the formation of large “lagoons” along the roads, significantly hindering the movement of both people and vehicles.
The neighborhoods of Chuiba, Mahate, and Natite were among the most affected, with several roads becoming nearly inaccessible. Residents reported difficulties in carrying out their daily activities, having to navigate flooded and muddy paths.
The situation also affected semi-collective transport operators, locally known as “chapeiros,” who operate along the Emulação–Chuiba route. They were forced to take multiple detours within neighborhoods to reach National Road Number One (N1), the main connecting highway.
As a result, there was a temporary increase in transport fares, along with a significant rise in travel times. In some cases, the journey between the terminal and Emulação, which is usually shorter, took nearly two hours.
It is important to recall that the city of Pemba has frequently been affected by extreme weather events, including cyclones the most recent being Cyclone Chido, which left thousands of families displaced and caused deep impacts on the community.
For many residents, each new heavy rainfall brings not only immediate disruptions but also memories of the devastating impacts experienced in recent years, reinforcing the urgent need for improvements in urban infrastructure and drainage systems in the city. (Sifa Artur)
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