Maputo — Traffic resumed on Mozambique's main-south highway in the central province of Zambezia on 15 February, after the gap in the road, caused by torrential rains, was temporarily plugged with metal tubing, earth and stones.

The road was cut at Amoro, in Nicoadala district, on 11 February, and long queues of vehicles formed on either side of the break in the road.

Some light vehicles and even minibuses were pushed across the gap by paid local volunteers, but this was not an option for trucks.

The drivers and passengers trapped by the cut in the road were forced to rely on itinerant traders for food and drink during their five day ordeal, and had no option but to pay the exorbitant prices the traders charged. Thus a small bottle of mineral water sold for 50 meticais (about 1.7 US dollars).