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Cyclone Freddy Will Not Hit Malawi-Met

Cyclone Freddy's satellite wind Cyclone Freddy's satellite wind

The Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services has downplayed fears that Malawi is under threat of being hit with Tropical Cyclone Freddy, saying latest weather models indicate the country will not suffer direct effects.

Director in the Department Lucy Mtilatila told us the Tropical Cyclone will only enhance rainfall activities with very little chances of flooding.

“We don’t expect a direct effect of this cyclone to Malawi; however, it will just enhance some rainfall activities because it will be dropping the moist Congo air mass over the country.

Otherwise, looking at how the models are portraying, there isn’t much threat from it so far.”

Mtilatila added that considering that the cyclone will hit Mozambique, the countries that are likely going to suffer direct effect are Zimbabwe and South Africa.

She however was quick to say they are monitoring the situation and will advise accordingly.

This comes after the United Nations (UN) in Zambia alerted its staff of the impending heavy rainfall and floods in Southern African countries.

In a service advisory note issued on Tuesday, 21st February, the UN’s department of Safety and Security in Zambia warned its staff to minimize movements ahead of Tropical Cyclone Freddy.

The note indicated that the Tropical Cyclone would make a landfall and cause heavy rainfall with flash floods in Southern African countries including Zambia, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Botswana, Eswathini and South Africa.

Reads part of the statement, “the situation may occasion a high risk of dangerous storm surge, flooding and strong/damaging wind especially in locations on the storm’s path in Zambia.

It has become necessary to alert all UN personnel accordingly for the needed caution/vigilance, as well as minimization of movements.”

Tropical Cyclone Freddy, developed in the Indian Ocean near Madagascar and is expected to make a landfall in Beira, Mozambique on Thursday some 400 kilometers away from Malawi.

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Last modified on Monday, 27/02/2023

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