Severe flooding in southern Mozambique has reportedly disrupted key rail links between Mozambique and South Africa.
This has raised concerns for trade, travel and regional logistics.
Mozambique floods disrupt rail links
As reported by Lusa, Mozambique’s state-owned rail operator CFM has suspended train services on the Ressano Garcia line, a crucial corridor connecting the Port of Maputo to South Africa.
This was after floodwaters and landslides damaged sections of the track.
According to Arnaldo Manjate, director of railway operations at CFM-South, the damage stretches across several points along the route.
Heavy rain triggered landslides near the border, while rising water levels around Moamba and Matola-Gare spilled over the railway platform, forcing operators to halt services.
Flood damage spreads across southern rail network
“We are dealing with landslides and water overtopping the line at multiple locations,” Manjate told Lusa, adding that repair teams are working to clear debris and open drainage channels to allow floodwaters to recede.
The suspension directly affects freight and passenger movement between South Africa and Maputo, a route widely used to transport goods to and from the harbour.
With trains unable to operate, pressure is expected to mount on road networks and border crossings in the coming days.
Flood damage has also shut down the Goba line, which links Maputo to Eswatini.
The Limpopo railway, the main southern route connecting Mozambique with Zimbabwe, has also been taken out of service due to heavy rainfall.
Rising death toll as flooding worsens
Since the start of the rainy season, floods have killed at least 103 people in Mozambique and affected more than 173 000 others.
Authorities say over 1 160 homes have been destroyed, with thousands more partially flooded, prompting the declaration of a national red alert.
