The Malawi Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education has suspended school lessons in several districts due to Tropical Storm Jude. Dr. Rachel Chimboea Huey confirmed this decision following a weather advisory. The storm, which has made landfall in Mozambique, may bring severe rainfall and flooding, particularly in southern districts. DODMA is preparing for the storm, ensuring resources are available for affected populations.
The Malawi Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education has announced the suspension of school lessons across several districts from today until Thursday. This action is taken as a safety precaution in light of the impending severe weather conditions expected due to an intensifying storm approaching the region.
Dr. Rachel Chimboea Huey, the Principal Secretary of the Ministry, confirmed the decision, attributing it to a weather advisory from the Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services.
“We are responding to the forecast of Tropical Storm Jude, which is expected to bring heavy rainfall and significant winds to various parts of the country,” Huey stated, adding that warnings of flash flooding have been issued by the Ministry of Water and Sanitation.
As of this morning, the storm has made landfall in Mozambique and raised concerns about potential heavy rains in Malawi. George Mhango, a correspondent in Malawi, reported, “At present, the storm’s impact is not as severe as predicted. Blantyre has experienced scattered showers.” However, authorities warn of intensifying conditions throughout the day.
Experts anticipate that Tropical Storm Jude may produce over 100mm of rainfall within 24 hours, significantly raising the flood risk. “The situation is particularly concerning in the southern districts of Chikwawa and Nsanje,” noted Mhango, citing the risk posed by the swelling Shire River in these flood-prone areas.
The Department of Disaster Management (DODMA) is collaborating with organizations such as the Red Cross to prepare for the storm’s effects. They are ensuring that essential resources, including food, water, and shelter, are stocked for potential victims of the storm. Safety alerts and guidance have been issued to the public, urging precautionary measures.
Malawi is facing another test of resilience as many are still recovering from the devastation caused by Cyclone Freddy in 2023. “People are understandably nervous,” Mhango reported, noting the collective memory of past tragedies as the community hopes for a milder outcome with the approach of Tropical Storm Jude.
The impending arrival of Tropical Storm Jude has prompted the Malawi Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education to suspend classes in numerous districts as a precautionary measure. Authorities are closely monitoring the storm’s trajectory and potential impacts, particularly regarding the heightened flood risks. The collaboration among disaster management organizations and local communities aims to mitigate any adverse effects while aiming for the resilience of the nation amidst the challenges posed by the storm.
Original Source: www.channelafrica.co.za
