Zambia Braces for Flooding as Tropical System Intensifies

Zambian authorities have issued a flood warning for several regions as a tropical low-pressure system continues to strengthen over the Mozambique Channel, bringing heavy rainfall and strong winds to the southern half of the country.

The Ministry of Green Economy and Environment, through the Zambia Meteorological Department, reported that the system is sustaining winds of 55 kilometers per hour and maintaining pressure levels of 992 hectopascals. Officials warned that it is responsible for persistent downpours and is expected to remain active until at least March 5, 2025.

Meteorologists noted that the system is reinforcing the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (I.T.C.Z.), a key weather phenomenon that influences rainfall patterns in the region. As a result, widespread precipitation has already been recorded, with forecasts predicting continued heavy rains coupled with strong winds, particularly in Zambia’s southern, eastern, central, and western provinces.

With soil moisture levels reaching 90 to 100 percent saturation, the government warned that flooding is likely to occur in multiple districts, including the capital, Lusaka. The risk of infrastructure damage, transportation disruptions, and displacement of communities remains high.

Authorities have called on residents in vulnerable areas to take precautionary measures, including:

• Collecting and conserving rainwater through available harvesting techniques.
• Avoiding flooded roads, which pose significant dangers to life and property.
• Exercising caution when traveling in wet conditions.

The Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) is working alongside the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment to monitor the situation and coordinate emergency response efforts.

As climate-related weather patterns become increasingly unpredictable in southern Africa, experts emphasize the need for long-term resilience planning. In the meantime, Zambian officials continue to advise the public to remain vigilant and stay informed through official weather updates.

Zambian authorities have issued a flood warning for several regions as a tropical low-pressure system continues to strengthen over the Mozambique Channel, bringing heavy rainfall and strong winds to the southern half of the country.

The Ministry of Green Economy and Environment, through the Zambia Meteorological Department, reported that the system is sustaining winds of 55 kilometers per hour and maintaining pressure levels of 992 hectopascals. Officials warned that it is responsible for persistent downpours and is expected to remain active until at least March 5, 2025.

Meteorologists noted that the system is reinforcing the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (I.T.C.Z.), a key weather phenomenon that influences rainfall patterns in the region. As a result, widespread precipitation has already been recorded, with forecasts predicting continued heavy rains coupled with strong winds, particularly in Zambia’s southern, eastern, central, and western provinces.

With soil moisture levels reaching 90 to 100 percent saturation, the government warned that flooding is likely to occur in multiple districts, including the capital, Lusaka. The risk of infrastructure damage, transportation disruptions, and displacement of communities remains high.

Authorities have called on residents in vulnerable areas to take precautionary measures, including:

• Collecting and conserving rainwater through available harvesting techniques.
• Avoiding flooded roads, which pose significant dangers to life and property.
• Exercising caution when traveling in wet conditions.

The Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) is working alongside the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment to monitor the situation and coordinate emergency response efforts.

As climate-related weather patterns become increasingly unpredictable in southern Africa, experts emphasize the need for long-term resilience planning. In the meantime, Zambian officials continue to advise the public to remain vigilant and stay informed through official weather updates.