Met sounds floods, drought spell alert in Nkhotakota

The Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services has predicted mixed fortunes in terms of weather in Nkhotakota with some parts experiencing floods and others dry spells.

Presenting the district rainfall seasonal forecast on Monday, the department’s head of public weather services Yobu Kachiwanda said Nkhotakota will receive moderate-to-heavy rains which are likely to lead to flooding.

He said in December and February, the district will experience rainfall deficits which may lead to prolonged dry spells that might consequently affect crop production.

“These are the risks we anticipate every season.  So, the district needs to plan,” he said.

Department of Disaster Management Affairs (Dodma) Nkhotakota district officer George Zibophe said the council will strategise in response to the impending natural calamities.

In his remarks, district crops officer Leonard Chirwa advised farmers to plant fast-maturing crop varieties to avert the impact of climatic shocks.

According to Dodma, during the last rainy season, the district received torrential rains which led to flooding, leaving about 3 000 people homeless.