Lake Malawi water levelshighest in 12 years
The National Water Resources Authority (NWRA) says the water level in Lake Malawi has reached 494.97 metres above sea level, which is highest in the last 12 years within the same period.
The current level, which is part of the first quarter of the 2023-24 hydrological year that starts from November 1 to October 31, is said to be 52cm higher than last year.
In a statement issued yesterday, NWRA has attributed the increase to normal and above normal precipitation in the immediate past few years.
The authority has also cited “the effective and efficient” management of the Lake Malawi-Shire River Hydrological system through the operations of the Kamuzu Barrage on the lake’s outlet the Shire River.
“The situation entails that the lake level would continue to be higher than the last hydrological year,” the statement reads in part.
Despite indicating that the development provides the country with economic development opportunities such as fishing, tourism, navigation and hydropower, it has warned against construction or carrying out activities closer to the waters than the recommended distance.
“Developers and all other individuals defying the law, do not only risk facing the wrath of the law, but this is also a recipe for disasters emanating from rising water in the lake as was experienced in the year 2023,” the authority adds.
Through its website, the Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services (DCCMS) said there would be “normal total amounts” of rainfall over most areas with the possibility of above normal rainfall in January 2024.
It has, however, said that there were chances of prolonged dry spell in February.
“…users from various sectors, including Agriculture, Disaster Management, Energy, and Water are encouraged to seek advice from the relevant ministries to better apply this forecast in their respective fields,” it adds.
Last year, a number of tourism and accommodation structures along the lakeshore were submerged as the water extended its boundaries to the shores.
The same impact is being felt as some structures along the shore have already been flooded.
