The Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services forecast indicate that the country will receive normal to above-average rainfall this season, raising concerns about repeated rising water levels in Lake Malawi and the Shire River.
Last year, Water levels of Lake Malawi rose to a record high in recent years resulting to the submerge of some lakeshore holiday resorts and hotels in Mangochi and Salima districts.
Meanwhile, the National Water Resources Authority (NWRA) has warned that this year’s Lake Malawi water levels will also rise as the rainy season continues in Tanzania and the Northern and Central Regions of the country.
Masozi Kasambara, NWRA spokesperson, told MIJ Online that about 52% the lake’s total water volume comes from rivers in the Central and Northern regions of the country, while 48% comes from Tanzania, which is currently receiving a lot of rain.
“What occurred last year was not ‘flooding’ per se, simply the Lake was reclaiming its territory as the recommended altitude for construction is 477 meters above sea level, this means that any Lodge or Hotel which was built above 477 meters cannot be affected by the rise in water levels of the lake”- said Kasambara.