By Cathy Maulidi:
The Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services (DCCMS) has warned of disasters in the 2023-24 rainfall season.
The department’s director, Lucy Mtilatila, told the Natural Resources Committee of Parliament Thursday that the country should prepare for disasters such as floods and drought as above normal rains are expected in some areas while below normal rains are also expected.
“In October, we are likely to have above normal rainfall while in November there are chances of below normal rainfall in some places, especially Southern and Northern region, and in December and January above normal rainfall should be expected,” Mtilatila said.
According to Mtilatila, there are indications that there may be below normal rainfall in February next year, with a mixture of below and normal rainfall expected in March.
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Mtilatila also said the country should expect disasters and other extreme events to hit some parts of the country following above normal rainfall that is expected.
“Looking at the way the forecast is; yes, extreme events are expected.
“Unfortunately, it seems we will experience both ways. With the below normal rainfall, there are chances that they can trigger dry spells and drought in some places.
“With more and above normal rainfall, chances of having very high rainfall amounts are also there. So, it seems we may experience both extreme events,” she said.
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She has, therefore, advised people to be on the lookout for early warnings and daily alerts.
Meanwhile, the new disaster risk management law has not yet been operationalised.
The Disaster Risk Management Act focuses on disaster preparation and prevention, unlike the existing law— which focuses on activities to be undertaken after disaster has struck.
The Act also focuses on the creation of a Disaster Risk Management Fund, which will ensure that funds are available for use in times of disaster.
“We are hoping that it will be operational as soon as we get the go ahead to gazette it,” said Commissioner for Disaster Management Affairs Charles Kalemba.
He said the department is prepared for any disaster that may come.
On his part, Natural Resources Committee of Parliament Chairperson Werani Chilenga said Malawi is not serious on the issue of preparedness.
“We, as a country, are not serious and, as such, we are not prepared for the disasters. There is no plan from Dodma [Department of Disaster Management Affairs] on how they are going to handle possible disasters. This is very unfortunate,” Chilenga said.
