FLOODS WARNING ISSUED FOR KABWE, LUANO, AND LUANGWA DISTRICTS

 

The Water Resources Management Authority-WARMA, a statutory body mandated to conduct drought and flood forecasts, has issued a flood warning for three districts namely, Kabwe and Luano in central province, and Luangwa District in Lusaka province.

WARMA Public Relations Officer, Mubiana Nalwendo, explains that the flood monitoring system currently has 3 triggered points with an 80 percent probability of occurrence.

Mr. Nalwendo says one alert is on the Mulungushi River, the other one on the Mkushi River and two on the Luangwa River.

He added that the high rise in the river flows is likely to affect the Kabwe, Luano, and Luangwa districts.

Mr. Nalwendo said details are that the Mulungushi River in Kabwe District is currently showing a trigger of a medium flood which is likely to reach the peak on the 28th of January 2023 which he said will affect Mwilaba and Chebende villages, King George Youth College, Mulungushi University including farms around Mulungushi village.

He also revealed that the Mkushi River in Luano District is likely to experience severe flooding starting on the 23rd of January 2023 which is likely to increase in intensity by the 28th of January 2023.

Mr. Nalwendo further explained that the Luangwa River is likely to experience mild flooding and that the flood is likely to reach its peak on the 2nd of February 2023.

"Luangwa River in Luangwa District is likely to experience mild flooding. The flood is likely to reach its peak on the 02nd of February 2023. The flood will affect Chelekano village, Chavunga village, Meanwhile, Luangwa Boma, and the Villages around Luangwa Boma," he said.

He has, therefore, warned the residents in the vicinity of the said river systems to be on high alert. 

"We, therefore, want to warn the residents in the vicinity of the above river systems to be on high alert. However, WARMA will continue to monitor the situation daily and will offer updates as the situation changes in the flood monitoring system," Mr Nalwendo said.

Meanwhile, the Zambia Meteorological Department under the ministry of Green Economy and Environment has disclosed that flash floods are anticipated in Seven Province dotted across the country in the next 12 to 24 hours.

The department has named the provinces as Southern, Northwestern Copper belt, Lusaka, Eastern, Muchinga and Luapula.

The department has attributed the anticipated floods to continuous rainfall observed in the past 24 hours and the anticipated rainfall anticipated in the next 12 to 24 hours.

The department has since advised citizens to stay away from flooded areas, streams and rivers.

It has also advised the general public to avoid driving in flooded areas and also to ensure that drainages around residential areas are free of debris.