MET warns of severe weather
The Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services (MET) has warned of possible floods in flood prone areas due to heavy rainfall expected from today to Friday.
The warning comes at a time when some parts of the country have also experienced floods since the onset of the rainy season, affecting thousands of people some of whom have been displaced.
A statement issued on Tuesday, signed by MET director Jolam Nkhokwe states that other disasters and strong winds could also cause several damages to infrastructure and injuries to people.
Reads the report in part: “The heavy rains are, therefore, likely to trigger flash floods, particularly in areas that are flood prone and low-lying in the south, centre and lakeshore, as soils are already wet in most areas of the country. On the other hand, strong winds and lightning could destroy property, cause injury and loss of lives.”
MET has since urged people to move to higher grounds when water levels start rising and avoid crossing flooded rivers or seeking shelter under trees.
As of January 24 2020, Malawi Red Cross said the number of affected households increased from 1 943 between December 29 and January 17 to about 10 000 households.
But in an earlier interview, Department of Disaster Management Affairs (Dodma) spokesperson Chipiliro Khamula said the department is ready to deploy search and rescue teams in cases of disasters.
He said: “The department in collaboration with humanitarian partners and other government entities, has been conducting simulation exercises on various emergencies to enhance knowledge on how various players can respond to emergencies.” Malawi and other countries in the region have been experiencing extreme weather patterns in recent years, which experts have attributed to climate change.
