Late start to the rainy season in Mozambique by Darren Bett
The ongoing drought conditions in central and southern Mozambique are prompting concern for insufficient water resources and early-season cropping activities.
The rainy season in Mozambique usually begins in October, with the heaviest rains falling between December and March, but this year, there is still no sign of the annual heavy rains.
The UN World Food Programme said there is already an acute food shortage, with near half a million people in need of food aid. This situation may be worsened by the late arrival of this season’s rains.
When the rains eventually do arrive, they will be falling on dry and hard ground, meaning that flooding is likely to occur. Mozambique is prone to flooding, but there are fears that this year’s floods may help to spread the cholera epidemic that is currently affecting neighbouring Zimbabwe.
Some heavy showers are forecast to arrive in southern Mozambique later this week, but for many, these rains will come as a mixed blessing.
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