Malawians told to get ready for storms

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The Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services has urged Malawians to brace for bad weather from 29th October to early November.

According to a press statement by the Ministry of Natural Resources, Energy and Mining, during this period most areas in the northern region and some central areas are likely to experience thundery showers accompanied with strong winds, thunder and lightning.

Jolam Nkhokwe
Nkhokwe: Most areas will experience sporadic thundery showers.

The statement was released on Sunday, October 29 and it was signed by Jolamu Nkhokwe, Director of Climate Change and Meteorological Services in the Ministry of Natural Resources, Energy and Mining.

According to Nkhokwe, from Wednesday 1st November to Sunday 5th November 2017 most areas in the country are expected to experience sporadic thundery showers.

“During this time of the year, due to prolonged heating of the atmosphere by the sun, thunderstorms are experienced. The experienced thunderstorms are associated with strong winds, thunder and lightning and can cause damages to property and life.

“This result in a number of people dying from being hit by lightning which can stop a person’s heart and cook a person’s internal organs,” reads part of the statement.

The general public is therefore advised to take precautionary measures such as being indoors of high quality strong concrete structures whenever thunderstorms occur within the vicinity to avoid being struck by lightning or being harmed by flying objects blown off from weak structures due to gusty winds.

The department further says Mwera winds will continue to blow over the Lake Malawi and lake users including fishermen and boat operators should exercise caution due to rough waters.

Furthermore, the public is asked to continue to pay attention to the continuous available daily weather and weekly updates from the Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services to ensure use of weather information on all timescales and therefore be kept safe from any weather related threats.