Climate Prediction Center’s Africa Hazards Outlook For USAID / FEWS-NET January 17 – January 23, 2013
1) The return of enhanced rainfall since the beginning of the year has helped to mitigate dryness for many local areas that faced a delayed start to the monsoon across southern Zimbabwe and Mozambique. However, the above-average rains have increased the potential for localized flooding in parts of northern Zimbabwe and southern Zambia that have already experienced overly saturated ground conditions over the last 30 days. Precipitation forecasts indicate a continuation of locally intense rainfall in the region during the upcoming outlook period.
2) Extreme amounts of precipitation during the last two weeks have resulted in numerous floods, downstream river basin inundation, damages to infrastructure, and thousands of displaced people across many local areas in Malawi and Mozambique. Rivers located in Zambezi, Busi, and Pungue basins of Mozambique are already above alert levels, sustaining the potential for additional flooding, and possibly lead to damaged crops in the region. Heavy seasonal rainfall is expected during the next seven days.