The Department of Climate Change and Metrological Services (DCCMS) has cautioned that the threat of flash floods remains high as heavy rains continue in most parts across the country.

According to the Department’s spokesperson Yobu Kachiwanda, areas of high impact include those in the southern region.

He said: “Areas of high impact are Mwanza, Zomba, Mulanje, Phalombe, Blantyre, Chikwawa and Nsanje and areas of medium impact are Karonga, Rumphi, Mzimba and Lilongwe.”

Kachiwanda has since advised people in the affected areas to avoid crossing flooded waters.

“Threat of flash flooding remains high as heavy rains continue, therefore avoid crossing flooded or fast flowing waters,” he warned.

DCCMS has also advised city authorities to clear all the drainage system to avoid flooding in the cities.

The Ministry of Water and Sanitation through the Department of Water Resources has, through a press statement, notified the general public that rivers in the catchments of Shire, Ruo and Lake Chilwa have started experiencing high water levels due to heavy rainfall in the southern part of Malawi.

According to the Ministry, flood forecasting model indicates that water levels in Likangala, Domasi, Thondwe, Likhubula, Mwanza, Lisungwi, Mkulumadzi, Mkombedzi Wa Fodya, Nyachipere, Thangadzi West Ruo, Luchenza, Thuchira, Namadzi and Chisombezi Rivers will reach the threshold value for danger warning in the next 72 hours.

The Ministry has since warned the public about the possibility of flooding in the areas around the mentioned rivers.