Beware of floods - experts
MBABANE – Be warned!
The Eswatini Meteorological Services Department has cautioned of a possible threat of floods in the next few months.
Meteorologist Sifiso Nzalo revealed that they predicted weather patterns similar to those of the previous year.
He, however, highlighted that the threat of possible floods could likely occur in certain parts of the country with enabling factors.
Such factors include places with nearby rivers and gorges. It could also be places with high rainfall recordings such as the Highveld.
Nzalo said: “Places like the Plaza in Mbabane are usually affected as they are situated near a river. I therefore do not mean there will be floods across the country.
“What I can confirm is that there are hazards. Some places are not properly constructed or planned so they end up flooding after heavy rains.”
Standstill
Meanwhile, heavy storms that were predicted by the Eswatini Meteorological Services Department in 2020 brought the capital city to a standstill.
A heavy downpour was experienced, mainly in the capital city and surrounding areas.
It caused serious havoc as some shops were flooded, as well as roads, making it almost impossible for motorists to drive through. The heavy rainfall was accompanied by thunder, lightning and hail, which lasted for about two hours.
The flooding of roads compelled motorists to drive slowly.
Roads were so flooded that some motorists feared for their lives and simply parked their vehicles in nearby parking bays.
Other motorists found themselves stuck and waddling away from a large pool of water, which had formed near the Taiwanese Embassy. The vehicles had formed a long queue adjacent to the Taiwanese Embassy and the Central Bank of Eswatini.
The floods saw small cars having difficulty in moving and drivers were compelled to find alternative routes. The situation was worse at some places within the city such as at The Mall and at The Swazi Plaza.