Malawi to face fresh storm Dumako
The Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services has warned of impending floods following moderate Tropical Storm Dumako which developed in the Indian Ocean.
The department warned that the storm is likely to cause intense rainfall in most districts of the Southern Region, including Nsanje, Chikwawa, Mulanje, Thyolo, Chiradzulu, Blantyre, Neno and Mwanza.
Remnants of Dumako emerged in the Mozambique Channel on Wednesday and were expected to drift towards Mozambique coast in two days.
This comes after most parts of the Central Region are experiencing heavy rainfall due to the weather influence by the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone.
Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services acting director Lucy Mtilatila said the maximum rainfall expected from today to tomorrow may reach 100 milimetres in 24 hours.
She said though the storm may not be as intense as the previous Tropical Storm Ana, it may renew flash floods or lead to new flooding concerns mainly in Chikwawa and Nsanje.
Commenting on the warning, Civil Society Network on Climate Change national coordinator Julius Ng’oma said the warning should serve as an opportunity for authorities and civil society organisations to mobilise resources and activate response activities before the actual disaster strikes. Department of Disaster Management Affairs spokesperson Chipiliro Khamula has since warned the public to take the caution seriously and move to safer places as a matter of urgency.
