Ministry issues fresh flooding alert

Ministry of Water and Sanitation has warned Malawians to be alert as water levels in most major rivers nationwide are expected to increase leading to floods.

The warning issued yesterday came days after the National Water Resources Authority (NWRA) said the water level in Lake Malawi has reached 494.97 metres above sea level, which is the highest in the last 12 years within the same period.

In a statement yesterday, Ministry of Water and Sanitation director of water resources Engineer James Chitete said the hydrometric monitoring system indicates that a substantial number of rivers are currently experiencing high water levels.

He said: “Consequently, the public is urged to exercise extra caution when crossing rivers or engaging in any activities within these water bodies.

“The ministry emphasises that given the current high water levels and saturated soils, ongoing rainfall may lead to riverine floods in these areas. The public is strongly advised to exercise caution and remain vigilant for the potential occurrence of floods.”

Chitete said rivers that are experiencing significant increases in water levels in the Southern Region include Likhubula, Likangala, Mkulumadzi, Lisungwi, Mtemang’ombe, Nkasi, Phalombe, Mombezi, Domasi, Naisi, Thutchira and Ruo.

In the Central Region, the rivers include Lingadzi, Lilongwe Linthipe, Rusa, Kasangadzi, Mpasadzi, Lifuliza, Dwabanzi, Dwangwa, Bua and Nkula while in the Northern region, they include Luweya, South Rukuru, Kasitu, Lunyang’wa, North Rukuru, Lufira, Makeye, Songwe, Nyungwe, and Chambo rivers.

“The public is further advised to pay attention to the continuously available updates on water levels/floods from the Department of Water Resources to be safe from any flood-related threats,” urged Chitete.

In a weekly update on weather patterns, the Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services said they expect heavy and intermittent rain to persist over Malawi from January 15 to January 24.

On January 9 2024 Dodma indicated that disasters had affected about 21 379 people since October 2023 and five people were reported killed by lightning.