The Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services says most areas of the country will continue experiencing a wave of increased rainfall activities associated with thunderstorms.

The Department`s Director Jolamu Nkhokwe said the heavy rains are due to effects of Congo air mass and Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ICTZ).

“As from Tuesday 19th January to Sunday 24th January 2021 most areas over the south, centre and north of the country are expected to experience a wave of increased rainfall activities associated with thunderstorms, with localized heavy episodes over central and southern high ground areas, including those along lakeshores and in the country.

This is due to effects of Congo air mass and ITCZ, as they get strengthened by the just-developed Tropical Cyclone Eloise, currently situated east of Madagascar but expected to land in Mozambique south of Beira by January 23 2021,” said Nkhokwe.

According to the Director, the Cyclone is currently situated east of Madagascar but expected to land in Mozambique south of Beira by this Saturday, January 23 2021.

Nkhokwe said the heavy rainfall episodes are likely to cause floods especially in low lying areas.

“The heavy rainfall episodes are likely to trigger flash floods in low lying areas particularly along the lakeshore. The public is advised not walk through moving water or crossing flooding rivers,” highlighted Nkhokwe.

The Department has since advised city, town, road authorities, community leaders and the public to continue ensuring that storm-water drainage systems on our roads and localities are clear of rubbish to ease flow of storm-water runoff during any rainfall event in addition to filling up potholes.