Malawi: The Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services (DCCMS) has issued a strong warning against the threat of high flash floods. The authorities have shared that the lakeshore areas of Nkhata Bay and Karonga are under danger starting from April 18 and over the weekend, which is Saturday and Sunday.
DCCMS Head of Public Weather and Aviation Services, Yobu Kachiwanda has made these remarks during a media interview on Friday. He highlighted that Mwera winds will blow over lake Malawi and other water bodies which can cause significant flash flooding.
He has urged the people in these areas to stay alert for the duration of the alert. The people are urged to avoid swimming, fishing and sailing in small boats in the duration of these winds.
People who are living in the northern region and lakeshore areas and communities have been given precautionary measures and a formal warning. The Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services said there are chances of active rain-belt which will cause flash floods.
The warning also extends to people with asthmatic conditions and they have to be extra careful during this week as temperature may drop significantly.
During the previous week, Malawi experienced hot conditions with rains over many areas which were locally heavy.
The highest reported rainfall was recorded at Kabalelyamayolo in Karonga with 126.8mm on April 7. The rain kept pouring for all 24 hours of the day.
Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) Spokesperson, Chipiliro Khamula also spoke to the media regarding this warning. Khamula said that the Department has activated all inter agency working committees for preparations and anticipatory actions.
He said national emergency operation centre has also been activated for coordinating disaster preparedness and response.
The people are being urged to move to safer locations, follow weather updates through communication channels and platforms. They should also avoid crossing flooded rivers and walking through running water, among others.
“The public should stay away from power lines, electrical wires and report fallen power lines to authorities,” he said.
In the 2023/2024 rainy season, Mangochi District experienced floods along Lake Malawi and Shire River due to rising level of the lake and the river, forcing a number of families to flee to safer places, leaving behind houses that were constructed in flood prone places.
The people in Mangochi are petitioning the district council to force authorities to open gates at Kamuzu Barrage at Liwonde to let water go downstream. The people are blaming the barrage gates to be a contributing factor to the lake and river side flooding.