North-eastern, southern regions should brace for heavy rains - weatherman
According to the authority, heavy rainfall is anticipated in certain areas within the Kigezi and Greater Bushenyi districts in the southwestern region.
WEATHER | The Uganda National Meteorological Authority (UNMA) has forecasted continued wet conditions across most parts of the country, with heavy to very heavy rainfall expected in specific regions.
According to the authority, heavy rainfall is anticipated in certain areas within the Kigezi and Greater Bushenyi districts in the southwestern region.
Similarly, significant rainfall is forecasted for the northeastern districts of the Karamoja sub-region and neighboring Acholi sub-region.
“The mean daily temperatures (average of maximum and minimum) indicate persistently warmer conditions in the range of 24°C to 28°C expected over parts of the northern region, particularly in West Nile, Acholi, and Lango sub-regions, and parts of Teso in the eastern region,” the authority stated.
For the rest of the areas in parts of the southern, eastern, and Karamoja regions, mean temperatures ranging from 18°C to 22°C are expected to prevail.
The forecast provides valuable insights for various sectors, including agriculture, water resource management, and public health.
It underscores the importance of preparedness and adaptive measures to mitigate the impact of extreme weather events and temperature variations on livelihoods and infrastructure.
The authority advises regular weeding across the country to ensure proper crop growth and maximum yields.
The farming population in the northern and northeastern regions is advised to continue planting crops on the advice of extension staff.
“The ongoing rains offer conducive conditions for crop and pasture growth in most areas, and livestock keepers should properly manage pasture. Pruning of tree crops and construction of drainage channels should be undertaken to minimize water stagnation over crop gardens or parcels in all low-lying areas in Northern, Central, and Eastern regions,” said the authority.
More than usual rainfall expected over most parts of central to western Kenya, central to northern Uganda, southern and eastern Ethiopia, Djibouti and central and north-western Somalia.
They urged the population to monitor and report any emergence of crop pests, animal parasites, and plant diseases to technical staff at the sub-county and district levels.
“The unnecessary use of pesticides and herbicides should be discouraged because surface runoff will carry such chemicals into water sources used by communities and in fish ponds, affecting their productivity,” said the authority.
Communities are advised to install water storage facilities for harvesting rainwater to mitigate dry spell occurrences.
“Continue to take advantage of the rains and engage in tree planting as a venture to reduce hailstorm damage to crops but also as an income-generating project for meeting future household needs,” the statement read.
They encouraged people to drink safe water as most water sources are becoming contaminated from surface runoff during this rainy season.
“Urban authorities should inspect and clear off clogged water pathways or open up drainage channels to avoid road truncation by turbulent water overflows and over-flooded transport routes,” said the authority.
In the past two weeks, East Africa has faced disastrous conditions as heavy rains caused floods, leading to the loss of hundreds of lives, displacement of thousands, and property damage.
Heavy Rains Alert:Heavy rains expected in parts of Southwestern,Midwestern,Karamoja,Acholi sub-regions in the next 10days. Potential hazards expected include flashfloods, landslides,waterlogging,water sources contamination,distruction of roads,washing away/collapsing of bridges. pic.twitter.com/FIAy5YMRKn
— National Meteorological Authority (@MeteoUganda) May 1, 2024
Reports show that Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Burundi have been worst hit by the storms, with highways and railways temporarily closed.
Experts warn that Tanzania, a significant food source for the region, is expected to see reduced yields by up to 30% due to the impact of the floods.
Recently, heavy rains caused disruptions in movement between Kenya and Tanzania along the Nairobi-Namanga highway, with the Athi River bursting its banks and flooding residential and industrial areas in Kajiado and Machakos counties.
Recently, a portion of the Kampala-Masaka highway, stretching between Busega and Kyengera, carved in during heavy rain.
Additionally, the Kyambogo-Banda road faced closure. Meanwhile, in the Industrial Area, traders incurred losses as their shops remained shuttered due to flooding.
Last week, the closure of the Masaka-Mbarara highway caused significant economic disruption as it serves as a vital trade route connecting Uganda to Rwanda and the DR Congo. This highway witnesses heavy traffic, with an estimated average daily traffic of more than 30,000 vehicles.
The southwestern part of Uganda, a major source of food for Kampala, faced challenges as many traders were stranded on the road, resulting in substantial losses, especially for perishable goods like bananas.
In Tanzania, the government announced the deaths of 63 people by Wednesday last week. Coastal areas are particularly vulnerable, with potential flooding and disruptions to key economic activities such as fishing and maritime transport.
Ladislaus Chang’a, the agency’s acting director-general, identified Dar es Salaam, Tanga, Morogoro, Mtwara, Lindi, Mafia Island, Pemba, Zanzibar, Mwanza, Masra, Simiyu, Kagera, Kigoma, and Shinyanga as high-risk regions.
In areas like the Rufiji River Basin, thousands of people residing in valleys and close to major rivers have been forcibly relocated due to the floods. Landslides in Arusha and Manyara have caused damage to houses and roads.
In Dar es Salaam city, roads such as Morogoro Road near Jangwani and Mkwajuni in the Kinondono suburb were temporarily closed.
To aid flood survivors, eight camps have been set up in the Coast region, accommodating 1,529 people.
