NDMA WARNING: IMPACT OF RAINFALL TO WORSEN

MBABANE – At least 257 people have been affected by the torrential rainfall across the country.

Torrential rainfall is any amount of rain that is considered heavy. For about a week, Eswatini has been affected by torrential rain, causing extensive damage to some infrastructure and endangering the lives of emaSwati. In a statement issued by the National Disaster Management (NDMA) Communications Manager, Wandile Mavuso it was revealed that about six bridges had been damaged across the country. The statement also revealed that in addition, 63 households had been affected by the rainfall.

Mavuso stated that NDMA would continue to conduct daily assessments of the ongoing torrential rainfall, which had caused damages to houses, roads, bridges, schools and other critical infrastructure across the country, posing threats to human life, displacement of affected communities and loss of livestock. He added that as of  Friday  February 10, 2023, the rain damaged houses while others houses were completely washed away.

Mavuso warned that rivers, bridges and streams remain flooded while roads had been damaged, isolating a number of communities and affecting access to essential services.Mavuso added that the latest assessment showed that a number of dams in the country were over spilling, leading to increased water flows downstream and increasing the chances of flooding.

“The impact of the rainfall is expected to worsen, increasing the cases of affected households and damaged critical infrastructure as the rain continues and a comprehensive assessment of the damage will be conducted,” stated Mavuso in the statement.

He said NDMA was coordinating emergency response interventions, working jointly with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and the civil society to provide immediate assistance while also assessing the situation for escalation into a significant relief and recovery situation in the country. The lack of resources remains the main challenge affecting comprehensive assessments of the situation on the ground and the provision of emergency assistance to affected communities. Also, he said accessibility of some areas remained a challenge because of the damaged roads and bridges.

Mavuso stated that the Eswatini Meteorological Services forecast, showed high probabilities of rainfall and thunderstorms over the country into the coming week. He said NDMA advised that schools, communities and parents to be vigilant when sending children to and from schools and must ensure school children did not attempt to cross flooded rivers.

Vehicles owners and drivers are also advised not to attempt crossing flooded low-level crossings and overflowing bridges, while houses located downstream of dams were advised to be vigilant and aware that dam spillways and flood gates. Households located downstream of dams should remain vigilant and aware that dam spillways and floods may lead to increased water volumes affecting  their homes.

Strong Advice

• Schools, communities and parents are advised to be vigilant and when sending children to and from schools and must ensure school children do not attempt to cross flooded rivers.
  
• Vehicles owners and drivers are also advised not to attempt crossing flooded low-level crossings and overflowing bridges.
  
• Households located downstream of dams should remain vigilant and aware that dam spillways and flood gates are opened which may lead to increased water volumes to their homes.
  
• Houses built of stick and mud must be protected from direct contact with roof water.
  
• Due to continuous soaking of the ground, citizens are warned of possible slope movement/mudslides/landslides/debris fall or rock fall.
  
• All road users are to exercise caution to avoid accidents resulting from slippery roads and damaged roads.

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