Mozambique: EDM confirms collapse of high-voltage tower, cutting electricity to Cabo Delgado

Electricidade de Moçambique (EDM) confirmed the collapse of a high-voltage tower on the night of 10 February, causing a total interruption of electricity supply to Cabo Delgado province. The incident occurred on the Namialo-Metoro section, a vital transmission line linking the provinces of Nampula and Cabo Delgado. According to the power utility, the collapse of the infrastructure is directly related to progressive soil erosion.

This phenomenon has been aggravated by the intense and persistent rainfall that has battered the northern region of the country in recent days. Although EDM’s technical teams have been deployed on site since 6 February, recovery work has faced severe obstacles. The muddy ground and ongoing heavy rain have hindered access to the damaged tower, delaying the start of replacement operations.

EDM has, however, mobilised additional resources with the aim of restoring the tower and re-establishing electricity service to the affected areas as quickly as possible. In a statement addressed to customers and the general public, the company issued an important safety notice: during this period of disruption, all electrical installations should be considered as permanently live, as a precaution. The national operator expressed regret for the disruption caused by the situation and apologised to the population of Cabo Delgado, reiterating its commitment to working to improve the quality of the services provided.