DMMU Muchinga Regional Coordinator Sandra Kambuleki, says it is important that safety measures by the settlers are put in place earlier before heavy precipitations are experienced. Ms Kambuleki has told the Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS) in Chinsali today, that many areas in the region are prone to flooding which can lead to loss of lives adding that it is therefore, prudent that they safeguard their lives by relocating. She charged that among some of the areas that are prone to flooding are Safwa pontoon areal along Chambeshi River in Shiwang’andu district, Kanchibiya and Mbesuma area in Chinsali district. “These floods happen year-in, year-out and we expect to have the same situation during this rainy season,” She added.

Ms Kambuleki further stated that it is the mandate of DMMU to provide relief during disasters, but people living in flood prone areas should also take precautionary measures. And Muchinga Provincial Meteorological Officer Benjamin Mushimata, says the province is however, expected to have a delayed onset of the rains with a dry spell of more than 10 days. Mr. Mushimata said the peak of the 2022-2023 rainy season in the region is expected to be experienced towards end of December 2022, adding that the current forecast is normal to below normal rainfall.

He said due to variations in climate change, the province can also experience heavy rainfall which can affect the farming season as well as cause flash floods in some areas.

He further extended his advice to people settling in flood prone areas to relocate to safer areas.

“We are currently receiving isolated rainfall, but the rainfall pattern can change at any time”, He stated.

Meanwhile, the meteorological officer called on farmers to consider planting long-term maturing varieties of crops such as maize due to the current rainfall pattern being experienced. Mr. Mushimata said the chances of recording a bumper harvest for the 2022-2023 farming season in Muchinga province are very low due climate variations.

ZANIS/ENDS