The moderate tropical storm 'Filipo' could evolve into a severe tropical storm in the next few moments and overwhelm the provinces of Maputo and Gaza this evening.

The alert was issued by the National Emergency Operations Center (CENOE), indicating that in Maputo the districts of Manhiça, Marracuene, Boane, Magude, Matutuine, Moamba and Matola could be affected; and in Gaza, the districts of Chicualacuala, Mapai, Mabalane, Chigubo, Massingir, Chókwè, Guijá, Chingoene, Bilene, Limpopo, Mandlakazi and the city of Xai-Xai.

There could also be strong winds with thunderstorms and rainfall of over 100 millimeters in 24 hours.

A CENOE document to which we have had access also warns of the possibility of flooding in the lower reaches of the Limpopo River, Incomati, the cities of Maputo and Matola, the coastal basins of Inhambane, as well as erosion in the city of Maxixe.

The storm entered the mainland at around 5am today, through the Funhalouro district in Inhambane province. In Vilankulo it has already destroyed homes and caused lampposts to fall.

"We have confirmed a trail of destruction throughout the Vilankulo district and the city, characterized by falling trees and the covering of some public and private infrastructures," said the Vilankulo Administrator, Edmundo Galiza Matos Jr, quoted by STV.