A BREATH of fresh air has been bestowed upon Zambians as the country is projected to receive normal to above normal rainfall during the 2024-2025 season.
This is a relief to the whole country after experiencing one of the worst droughts in living memory, leaving the country devastated.
Early this year, President Hakainde Hichilema declared the dry spell as a national disaster and emergency as it proved to be nothing short of a nightmare for all.
The drought left over six million people struggling with food insecurity, with the country’s staple crop becoming increasingly scarce.
Power shortages also plagued the country with load shedding now lasting up to 21 hours as a result of the drought, putting tremendous strain on both households and businesses.
Green Economy and Environment Minister Mike Mposha shared during a press briefing this morning that unlike last season, most parts of the country are expected to receive normal to above-normal rainfall this coming season.
It was revealed that only the North-Eastern parts of the country will at some point experience normal to below rainfall pattern.
“The 2024-2025 seasonal rainfall pattern
Is likely to exhibit the following characteristics. We expect normal rainfall over most parts of Zambia. Normal to below normal rainfall in the North Eastern parts of the country,” noted Mposha.
“We expect normal to above normal rainfall from October, November and December except the Northern districts of Eastern Province such as Muchinga, Nothern and Luapula who may experience normal to below normal rainfall patterns. December, January to February, normal to above normal rainfall throughout the country with potential flooding in some flood prone areas will be experienced. January, February and March, normal to above normal rainfall Will be experienced throughout the country.”
The rain is expected to start as early as October in the Western, Northern and North-Western regions.
This is a chance for farmers to plant earlier and potentially see better yields.
And the Southern parts of the country which faced severe drought last year, are expected to receive good rainfall through March while some North-Eastern areas may experience a slight delay, with rain starting in December.
The forecast was shared by the minister to allow farmers and leaders to make informed decisions in preparing for the rainy season.
He advised that communities should help in clearing blocked drainages to prevent flooding and scale down on the dumping of waste in waterways.
“Onset of rain is expected in October over Western province. Around October, we should have some rain setting in, in Western, Northern and North Western provinces. Delayed onsets of rain in mid December over the extreme North Eastern parts including Luangwa, Chirundu, Gwembe and Sinazongwe.
“Areas that will experience normal to below may experience inadequate domestic water, agriculture diseases and pests and dry spells. Areas that are likely to receive normal to above may experience floods and water borne diseases such as Cholera and may also get malaria transmission,” he announced.
By Catherine Pule
Kalemba, September 6, 2024
