Maputo — Rail traffic has resumed along the line from Malawi to the northern Mozambican port of Nacala.

According to a note from the Northern Development Corridor (CDN), the company that operates the line, normal conditions were re-established on Saturday, after major repairs were made to the line in the municipality of Monapo.

On 1 February, torrential rains caused the Nachicuva River to burst its banks, flooding part of Monapo. In doing so, it swept away earthworks on which the railway rested, opening a crater that was 70 metres long. The tracks were left dangling in mid-air and so all rail traffic between Nampula city and Nacala was suspended.

The repairs consisted of erecting a provisional wooden bridge to support the tracks, and this task was completed by Saturday.

The interruption of traffic for over a week caused enormous losses for companies that are dependent on the line. Hundreds of containers destined for Malawi were held up in Nacala port.

The Nacala line is Malawi’s quickest and cheapest route to the sea, and it usually carries goods that are crucial for the Malawian economy such as fuel and fertilizer.

Meanwhile, the National Water Board (DNA), warns that the Licungo river in the central province of Zambezia is continuing to rise. On Monday, the river was measured at 6.65 metres at the town of Mocuba, well above the flood alert level of six metres.

The river is likely to continue to rise, threatening flooding further downstream, in the districts of Namacurra and Maganja da Costa.