Malawi’s Ministry of Education has suspended classes in several districts due to Tropical Storm Jude, which is expected to bring heavy rainfall and winds. The Department of Disaster Management is preparing for potential flooding and advising the public on safety measures. Residents are apprehensive as they recover from previous storms.
The Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education in Malawi has announced the suspension of school lessons across several districts, effective from today until Thursday. This decision is intended to safeguard students and staff due to the severe weather conditions anticipated. Dr. Rachel Chimboea Huey, the Principal Secretary of the Ministry, indicated that this action was in response to a weather advisory regarding Tropical Storm Jude, which is expected to deliver heavy rains and strong winds throughout the region.
In her statement, Dr. Huey remarked, “We are responding to the forecast of Tropical Storm Jude, which is expected to bring heavy rainfall and significant winds to various parts of the country.” Concurrently, the Ministry of Water and Sanitation has issued warnings about potential flash flooding in southern districts, particularly near the Shire River, which is at risk of overflowing.
The storm has reportedly made landfall in Mozambique as of this morning, raising concerns about its impact on Malawi. Local correspondent George Mhango noted that while the storm’s impact has been less severe than expected, with only scattered showers in Blantyre, warnings suggest that conditions may worsen throughout the day. He relayed that the Department of Climate Change has predicted intensified weather patterns.
Meteorologists estimate that Tropical Storm Jude could produce over 100mm of rainfall within a 24-hour period in various regions, raising alarm regarding potential widespread flooding. Mhango highlighted that areas like Chikwawa and Nsanje are particularly vulnerable, emphasizing that rising waters from the Shire River pose a significant threat to the local population.
The Department of Disaster Management (DODMA) is collaborating with organizations such as the Red Cross to effectively prepare for the impending storm. DODMA is actively disseminating safety alerts and guidelines to the public, stressing the need for precautionary measures to be taken for the safety of those potentially affected.
Malawi is once again facing the challenges posed by natural disasters, with residents still recovering from the devastation caused by Cyclone Freddy in 2023. According to Mhango, “People are understandably nervous. Many remember the devastation from last year, and they are praying that Tropical Storm Jude does not bring a repeat of that tragedy.”
In summary, Malawi has announced the suspension of school lessons in anticipation of Tropical Storm Jude, which poses significant risks through heavy rainfall and strong winds. The Department of Disaster Management is actively preparing for potential flooding, especially in vulnerable districts. The community remains on high alert, recalling the recent impacts of Cyclone Freddy and hoping to mitigate further tragedy.
Original Source: www.channelafrica.co.za
