Maputo — An explosion at about 03.00 on Saturday morning in a Maputo power station caused massive power cuts throughout southern Mozambique.

According to a statement from the electricity company EDM, the explosion damaged the command equipment that is vital for electricity distribution. EDM said that power was restored to Gaza and Inhambane provinces by mid-morning on Saturday, but major power cuts continued throughout Saturday and Sunday morning in much of Maputo city, and parts of the neighbouring city of Matola.

The EDM’s communications director, Gilda Jofane, guaranteed that essential services such as hospitals and the Maputo water pumping station are being supplied with power by alternative means.

EDM sent a technical team to the site of the accident immediately after it occurred, and has told clients that it hopes to have the situation normalized by Monday. “We are appealing to our clients to use electricity rationally during the period in which there are restrictions on supply”, added Jofane. It is reported that the explosion caused the death of one person.