BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-The Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services has warned that the dry spell currently affecting several districts in the southern region is likely to continue for the next 7 days.
According to the department’s latest statement, weather forecasts indicate that many areas in the region have gone without significant rainfall for over a week now.
The districts at risk of drought include Chikwawa, Nsanje, Blantyre, Thyolo, Mwanza, Neno, Zomba, Phalombe, Mulanje, Balaka, Machinga, Mangochi, Salima, Dedza, and Ntcheu.
The department also predicts that the dry spell may spread to other areas, including Lilongwe, Mchinji, Dowa, and Ntchisi.
This comes as several districts are still reeling from the effects of the previous dry spell, with reports indicating that many crops, particularly maize, are beginning to wither due to lack of water.
In Mangochi, for example, District Agriculture Office spokesperson Bishop Witmos reports that over 9,000 hectares of crops have been affected in areas such as Nankumba, Chilipa, Namabvi, Mponda, Chowe, and Chimwala.
The prolonged dry spell is likely to exacerbate food insecurity in the affected areas, where many households rely on rain-fed agriculture for their livelihoods.
The Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services is urging farmers to take necessary precautions to mitigate the effects of the drought.
