Africa Weather Hazards
Significantly suppressed and poorly distributed seasonal rainfall since October has negatively affected many countries in southern Africa. Exacerbated by a poor rainfall seasonal performance last year, many consecutive weeks of inadequate rainfall has led to reduced water availability, permanently wilted crops, significantly reduced planted areas, livestock deaths, and other adverse conditions over many areas.
Dwindling water in reservoirs is now undermining power production. A severe drought is posted over portions of the Free State and North West Provinces of South Africa, as wilted and damaged crops were observed. A severe drought is also posted in Zimbabwe and central and southern portions of Mozambique, where persistently large rainfall deficits have already destroyed more than 40% of crops.Heavy rainfall during the past several weeks has affected many people, resulting in numerous fatalities, as well as destroyed homes and infrastructure. Continuing heavy rainfall on already saturated ground is likely to cause inundation and swelling of streams and rivers in southern and central Tanzania. The flooding is likely to exacerbate the cholera epidemic in Tanzania.