The Malawi Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education has suspended classes in several districts until Thursday due to Tropical Storm Jude. Warnings about potential flooding have been issued. Authorities are collaborating with organizations to prepare for the storm’s impact as historical context heightens anxiety in the region.
The Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education in Malawi has announced the suspension of school lessons in several districts from today through Thursday due to the impending Tropical Storm Jude. This decision aims to safeguard students and staff amid the severe weather forecasts expected in the upcoming days.
Dr. Rachel Chimboea Huey, the Principal Secretary of the Ministry, stated that this suspension follows a weather advisory from the Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services. “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,” she explained. The Ministry of Water and Sanitation has also alerted the public about the risk of flash flooding in southern districts, particularly near major rivers like the Shire River.
As of this morning, Tropical Storm Jude has made landfall in Mozambique, raising apprehensions about its impact on Malawi. George Mhango, a local correspondent, noted, “At present, the storm’s impact is not as severe as predicted. Blantyre has experienced scattered showers, and the surrounding hills are obscured by clouds.” However, the Department of Climate Change warns of an intensification of the storm’s effects in the coming hours.
Experts anticipate that the storm may deliver over 100mm of rainfall in certain areas within just 24 hours, posing the risk of widespread flooding. Mhango adds, “The situation is particularly concerning in the southern districts of Chikwawa and Nsanje,” highlighting that overflow from the Shire River could endanger local communities.
In preparation for the storm, the Department of Disaster Management (DODMA) is collaborating with organizations like the Red Cross to ensure adequate provisions such as food, water, and shelter are available for those at risk. DODMA is actively disseminating safety alerts and advice to the public, emphasizing the importance of taking necessary precautions.
The resilience of Malawi is once again being challenged, as many are still recuperating from the devastation caused by Cyclone Freddy earlier this year. Mhango remarked, “People are understandably nervous… they are praying that Tropical Storm Jude does not bring a repeat of that tragedy.”
In summary, the impending threat of Tropical Storm Jude has prompted urgent safety measures, including the suspension of school lessons across several districts in Malawi. Experts predict significant rainfall and potential flooding, particularly in vulnerable southern districts. Authorities, along with disaster management organizations, are working to ensure the public’s safety and readiness. The ongoing recovery from Cyclone Freddy adds an additional layer of concern for the Malawian populace as they brace for this new weather challenge.
Original Source: www.channelafrica.co.za
