FLOODS MAY HIT SD IN 48HRS

MBABANE – The ongoing rains which are experienced in most parts of the country might result in flooding in the next 48 hours.
This is according to a press release from the Swaziland Meteorological Services Department.

The rains are as a result of the influx of low level moisture from the Indian Ocean, coupled with a trough (extension of low pressure) in the upper level of the atmosphere which interacts with the moist air from the tropic that was gradually migrating from the eastward to the west into the country.

Starting from today, some places are expected to receive as much as 50mm rain in the next 48 hours.
Information from the Swaziland Meteorological Services Department and the Royal Swaziland Police Service under the Information and Communications Office was to the effect that 15 centimetres of fast flood water could knock a person off their feet and result in drowning.

It was also gathered that a depth of 60 centimetres was enough to float a car. The departments therefore warned drivers against driving their motor vehicles on roads that were covered by water. This was because some water might be deep.

“If trapped in a motor vehicle by rising water, abandon it immediately and seek a higher ground for safety,” reads the warning.
The departments have warned the nation, especially those who would be outdoors to avoid crossing flooded rivers and streams where the water was above the ankle.

However, as the system is expected to be east of the country on Saturday, there will be gradual clearance leading to mostly partly cloudy and warm to hot condition.

A cold front coupled with an approaching trough in the upper levels of the atmosphere interacting with the moist and unstable air from the tropic is expected to result in thunderstorms on Sunday, extending to Monday.

Meanwhile, the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) shared the same sentiments with the Meteorological Services Department and the police on their Facebook page. However they emphasised on the  possibility of damages to property and infrastructure.

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