By Twink Jones Gadama
Malawi’s Ministry of Water and Sanitation has issued a flood notice, warning of impending high water levels in major rivers across the central and southern regions of the country.
The anticipated heavy rainfall from Tropical Cyclone Chido, forecasted by the Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services (DCCMS), is expected to cause flooding between December 15th and 21st, 2024.
According to the Ministry’s flood forecasting models, several rivers are likely to experience high water levels during this period, including the Nkula, Linthipe, Lingadzi, Lipimbi, Lifidzi, Nadziphuru, Livulezi, Nasolo, Mudi, Lilongwe, Diamphwe, Likangala, Thondwe, Namadzi, Phalombe, Namphende, Sombani, Likhubula, Mwanza, Lisungwi, Mkulumadzi, Mkombedzi wa Fodya, Nyachipere, Thangudzi, and Thuchira.
The Ministry has advised the general public to exercise caution when visiting these areas, refraining from settling in and crossing flooded rivers and streams.
Communities along these rivers are also encouraged to utilize the Community-Based Flood Early Warning Systems (CBFEWS) installed to prevent loss of life due to the expected floods.
“The Ministry is taking proactive measures to mitigate the impact of these floods,” said James H. Chitete, Director of Water Resources. “We urge the public to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.”
To stay informed, the public can access continuously available updates on water levels and floods from the Department of Water Resources.
For further information, contact the Ministry’s Public Relations Officer, James Kumwenda, on +265994672697.
Malawi’s history of flooding is a pressing concern, with 21 major floods occurring over the past five decades. Climate change projections indicate that these events will further increase in frequency and severity.
To address this challenge, the Malawi Red Cross Society, UNICEF, and other stakeholders have collaborated on a project leveraging localized flood models and the Impact-Based Forecasting (IBF) Portal.
This initiative aims to enhance precision, efficacy, and forecast quality for those working to reduce the devastating impact of floods.
As Tropical Cyclone Chido approaches, the government and humanitarian organizations are working together to mitigate the effects of the impending floods.
The public is advised to remain vigilant, follow safety guidelines, and stay informed through official channels to ensure their safety during this critical period.
