The authorities expect the Maputo River in the south of the country to rise within two weeks due to the start of discharges at the Pongolapoort dam in South Africa.

The discharges will be the first in four years and are intended to "reduce the dam's storage" and create a margin for the new rainy season, which is now beginning, announced Mozambique's Southern Regional Water Administration (ARA-Sul), quoted by Lusa.

The Maputo River crosses the country's southern border with South Africa and flows into the bay of the country's capital.

The rise in the river is expected to affect small agricultural fields near Madubula, Tinonganine and Salamanga, in the Matutuine district.

Dams in southern Mozambique and neighboring regions have been replenished after the heavy rainfall of recent years.

However, the new rainy season has already started and will last until the end of March, requiring storage capacity in the reservoirs.