The Zambia Meteorological Department (ZMD) has been monitoring the tropical cyclone Kenneth that developed over the Indian Ocean north of Madagascar, says the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU).
The cyclone made landfall on Thursday 25th April over northern Mozambique near the border with Tanzania.
DMMU Communications Officer Racheal Mupanga said the forecast provided by ZMD indicates that the cyclone will immediately start to weaken after land fall and is likely to dissipate within 24-to-48 hours.
“The forecast issued by ZMD further indicates that, the effects from the cyclone will only give a chance of showers and thunderstorms over the Northern and Luapula Provinces including northern parts of Eastern Province,” she said.
“Furthermore, the forecast indicates that most parts of Mbala, Mpulungu, Mporokoso, Luwingu, Samfya, Chiengi, Isoka, Mafinga and surrounding areas will receive rainfall of above 10mm on the 28th April.”
Ms Mupanga said the amounts of rainfall expected are within the normal range during this time of the year. However, areas over Mafinga, Isoka, and Chama districts may receive rainfall amounts that may lead to flash floods and flooding between 26th and 30th April.
And DMMU National Coordinator, Chanda Kabwe assured the nation that there is no cause for alarm as only showers and normal rainfall will be experienced during the forecast period.
Mr. Chanda said the Public is therefore advised to consider as official only information issued by the Zambia Meteorological Department and Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit with regard to the cyclone.
“The Zambia Meteorological Department and the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit will continue monitoring the situation and keep the nation updated,” he said.