The Water Resources Management Authority (WARMA) has advised the public and its stakeholders to be alert as there is a high likelihood of a 20-year return flood in Kasempa district along the Lubungu and Lunga Rivers from the 27th to 31st January 2021, which will cause flooding in areas along the river banks.
WARMA Public Relations Officer Joshua Kapila said according to the authority’s forecast; there is a high probability of a 10-year return flood around Mumbwa at the Hook Bridge, and in areas downstream of the ItezhiTezhi Dam (Namwala) and Kasaka hydrometric station on the Kafue River, which is projected to occur around the 7th to 9th February 2021.
In a statement made available to Zambian Business Times-ZBT, Kapila said based on the analysis of the authority’s hydrological data, increased river flows due to increased rainfall in the abovementioned areas has been observed, with flooding expected to be severe in the same areas and regions around Kasempa and Kelongwa, respectively.
The authority has advised the public in the affected areas and concerned stakeholders to take all the necessary precautionary measures and urgently prepare for the projected flood events to avoid loss of life and property.
Kapila also said that being the sole authority in the management of water resources in the nation as mandated by the Water Resources Management (WRM) Act No. 21 of 2011, WARMA will continue to provide forecasted flood-event updates across the country and will report any observed changes that has potential to cause disaster.
