Maputo — The Mozambican authorities have issued a flood warning for the basin of the Save river, which forms the conventional boundary between southern and central Mozambique.

The rise in the level of the Save has led to the evacuation of people from the towns of Machanga and Nova Mambone, on the northern and southern banks of the river.

According to a note received by AIM on Monday, the country's relief agency the National Disasters Management Institute (INGC), has made a helicopter available to the governor of Inhambane province, Aires Aly, so that he can overfly the area and monitor the situation.

The level of the Save has been rising since Saturday, thanks to torrential rains in the area, brought by Cyclone Japhet, which hit Inhambane a week ago. The cyclone has dissipated, but the rains have continued. There are also fears of flooding in the Buzi basis further north.

The INGC warned people living near the Save to remain on maximum alert, and to stay away from the river's banks.