Ministry warns on potential flooding

Water authorities are warning of potential flooding of major rivers in northern and Lakeshore areas amid persistent heavy rains and thunderstorms there.

According to the warning, high water levels are expected to prevail in North and South Rukuru as well as the Songwe in the north while similar trends are predicted in the Bua, Dwangwa and Linthipe rivers in the centre.

In a statement, the director of water resources James Chitete has warned communities around several major water bodies to watch out for potential floods in the next seven days starting today.

Among others, Chitete is tipping the public to avoid settling in and crossing flooded rivers or streams.

Other rivers set for potential flooding are Hara, Nyungwe, Wovwe, Kyungu, Lufilya Limphasa, Nkhula, Lipimbi, Dwambazi, Luweya, Chirua, Lingadzi, Kaombe, Lifidzi and Nadzipuru.

“The communities along some of the mentioned rivers are also advised to utilise the community-based flood early warning systems installed to prevent loss of life caused by floods,” reads the statement in part.

Six floods-related fatalities and four injuries have been recorded across the country since the onset of the current rain season late last year.

Chitete’s statement further tips the public to pay attention to regular updates about water levels and floods from the department of water resources to be safe from any flood-related threats.