INAM forecasts moderate flood risk and good agricultural prospects – Mozambique

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INAM forecasts moderate flood risk and good agricultural prospects – Mozambique

2:01 CAT | 14 Sep 2017

Lusa (File photo)

The south and centre regions will experience normal to above normal rainfall in October and December of this year, while the north will have below average precipitation, according to the National Meteorology Institute of Mozambique.

The scenario for January to March is complicated, but no floods are expected to occur in the major river basins during the whole rainy season. Agriculture can expect good results, although late sowing is recommended.

For Maputo, southern Gaza and Inhambane and northern Cabo Delgado, rainfall will tend to be lower than normal. In Niassa and Nampula, parts of Cabo Delgado, Gaza, Inhambane, Sofala and Manica, normal precipitation is expected. In Tete, Zambézia, much of Sofala and Manica, as well as in northern Gaza and Inhambane, forecasts so far available indicate above normal rainfall.

The seasonal climate forecast for the period from October 2017 to March 2018 yesterday presented by the National Meteorological Institute comes after the holding of the Regional Climate Prediction Forum for Southern Africa from 15 to 26 August in Gaberone, Botswana.

INAM’s Isaias Raiva explains that the forecasts are reliable but will be updated on a monthly basis.

The main rain-dependent sectors reacted immediately.

The National Directorate for Water Resources Management (DNGRH) said there is a low risk of floods in the country, with the exception of the Maputo, Incomati, Mutamba and Inhanombe basins, where the chances are moderate.

Moderate to high – The exceptions and urban floods

The DNGRH’s Agostinho Vilanculos said there was moderate to high risk of floods in the Messalo, Megaruma, Savane, Save and Incomáti basins between January and March.

Vilanculos mentioned high risks of urban flooding in Maputo, Matola, Beira and Quelimane, and said that local authorities should take measures to mitigate the impact on families in low-lying areas.

Agriculture and Food Security, represented by Hiten Jantilal, said that rain from October to December would satisfy 50 percent of agricultural needs in the north; between 70 to 90 percent in the centre and up to 70 percent in the south. From January to March, satisfaction is expected to rise throughout the country. Farmers are consequently advised to sow late in order to maximise yields.

Minister of Transport and Communications Carlos Mesquita, who opened the climate forecasting forum, highlighted the importance of meteorology to the country’s sustainable development, noting that the government had been steadily improving INAM’s ability to fulfil its mission.

Source: Notícias