The possible tropical storm CHIDO, courtesy of the La Reunion Regional Centre
* It is likely to move into the Mozambique Channel and make landfall in Mozambique — probably near Nacala on Saturday evening, December 14, which is approximately 500km from Mulanje District
Maravi Express
The Department of Climate Change & Meteorological Services alerts the public that it is actively tracking the progress of the third tropical storm, named CHIDO, which has formed to the northeast of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean.
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In its statement this afternoon, the Meteorological Department indicated that weather models suggest that CHIDO is likely to move into the Mozambique Channel and make landfall in Mozambique — probably near Nacala on Saturday evening, December 14, which is approximately 500km from Mulanje District.
Thus as the Department is actively tracking CHIDO’s progress, it “will keep the nation informed of any important updates concerning the tropical storm’s intensification and movement”.
Last month, there was also another alert of tropical storm named Cyclone Bheki that developed in the Indian Ocean but posed no direct threat to Malawi until it weakened in the ocean.
“Meanwhile, we anticipate an increase in rainfall in some areas of the country in the coming days, driven by an unstable easterly air mass,” said the statement.
“The public is strongly advised to seek shelter in sturdy buildings during a thunderstorm until it dissipates.”
The next update will be issued tomorrow, December 11. Last month, there was also another alert of tropical storm named Cyclone Bheki that developed in the Indian Ocean but posed no direct threat to Malawi until it weakened in the ocean.
The Department further said it anticipates an increase in rainfall in some areas of the country in the coming days, driven by an unstable easterly air mass and the public is thus “strongly advised to seek shelter in sturdy buildings during a thunderstorm until it dissipates”.
In an interview with Malawi News Agency (MANA) yesterday, head of public weather & aviation services, Yobu Kachiwanda said indicated that from December 9-15, the country will experience hot weather conditions, localised thunderstorms and heavy rains due to the influence of unstable air mass.
Yobu Kachiwanda
He said thunderstorms are often associated with lighting and as such people must take necessary precautions: “People must seek shelter in safe building and avoid spending much time in the sun.
“Most areas should also expect partly cloudy and mild weather, while lake users need to take extra care because Mpoto winds can cause dangerous water waves at times mainly over northern areas.”
Kachiwanda added that during this week the trajectory and movement of the cyclone will be communicated if it poses a threat to the country considering that there is a possibility of a Tropical Cyclone developing in the southwest Indian Ocean.
According to the department, the past week thunderstorms with locally heavy rains were experienced over many areas with reports of hail and damage caused by violent winds in some parts of the country.
Executive director for Managing Rainwater Association of Malawi (MRAM), Edmond Kwasula, commended the Meteorological Department for the weekly weather forecast, saying as an organisation they will invest in advocating for weather forecast in order to reduce climate challenges faced by rural areas.
“People need to respect life,” he said. “Whenever the forecast has been released they should follow advisories which the department of meteorological services has provided. Most people do not have knowledge on weather and climate change as such there is a need as a country to enhance weather awareness,” Kwasula said.
MRAM is a non-governmental organisation established with the aim of building capacity and creating awareness on rain water harvesting and management through facilitation of research technology development.
For further information, the public is encouraged to contact: The Director; Department of Climate Change & Meteorological Services; P.O. Box 1808, Blantyre.
Or through Tel: (265) 882 266 579; Fax: (265) -1- 822 215; email: metdept@metmalawi.gov.mw and website: www.metmalawi.gov.mw as well as on Facebook.—Reporting for MANA by Petro Mkandawire
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