Blantyre, January 8: The Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services has warned of high rainfall amounts which will eventually trigger flash floods and flooding in potential flood prone districts in the next two weeks.
Director of Climate Change and Meteorological Services Jolam Nkhokwe said the trend is as a result of the activeness of Congo air mass coupled with a low pressure area in the Mozambique Channel.
He said: “Our two main rain bearing systems which are the Inter Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) and Congo air mass coupled with a low pressure area located in the Mozambique Channel remain active.
“This will consequently cause wide spread rainfall associated with high rainfall amounts.
“The high rainfall amounts cumulatively are expected to trigger flash floods and flooding in potential flood prone districts such as, Nsanje, Chikhwawa, Phalombe, Mangochi, Salima, Nkhata bay and Karonga,” warned Nkhokwe.
Nkhokwe further warned that during this period severe thunderstorms are expected and would be accompanied by strong winds and lighting because of the accumulation of heat energy in the atmosphere.
“The general public is therefore being advised to be indoors during periods of severe thunderstorms to avoid lighting strikes and should take caution when crossing swelling rivers,” cautioned Nkhokwe.
And Assistant District Disaster and Risk Management Officer for Blantyre, Alibewake Maulawo has disclosed to Malawi News Agency that at least 561 households in Blantyre District have been affected by the stormy rains since October last year.
Maulawo said that Tradition Authorities Nsomba, Chigalu, Kuntaja and Kapeni were the most affected areas.
“So far we have recorded 561 stormy victims in four tradition areas in the Blantyre district since October last year.
“The stormy rains led to a number of houses being collapsed and crops washed away. However the fortunate part was, none of the people lost his or her life.” explained Maulawo.
She however said the council has managed to assist the victims by donating various relief items such as maize, beans, plastic cups and blankets.
Maulawo then appealed for more support from the general public.
“We believe that the number could be high because over the years we have had some unreported cases that is why we are calling upon the masses to come in with support in order to carter for such victims,” she said.
