Mbabane — Government has called on communities to take a leading role in reducing the impact of heavy rains, as further rainfall is expected across Eswatini on Friday.
Minister for Tourism and Environmental Affairs Jane Mkhonta-Simelane warned that the predicted rainfall could increase flooding, especially in vulnerable areas. “It is important for communities to remain alert, informed and prepared in order to reduce risks and protect lives,” she said.
The appeal comes after recent extreme weather caused severe soil erosion and damaged infrastructure and farmland in several parts of the country. Meteorological experts said the conditions were caused by the interaction of tropical and oceanic air masses, with some areas recording more than 200 millimetres of rainfall within a week.
Government officials said community-led interventions are among the most effective ways to limit further damage. These include clearing blocked drainage systems, maintaining storm-water channels, protecting riverbanks and planting vegetation to prevent erosion.
Climate experts have attributed the intensity of the rainfall to global climate change, warning that extreme weather events are likely to become more frequent.
Although the worst of the recent storm has passed, seasonal rainfall is expected to continue throughout the summer. The minister urged residents to avoid flooded areas and to closely follow weather updates and safety advisories issued by authorities.
At the regional level, weather and disaster management experts are working through Southern African Development Community platforms to assess long-term climate trends and improve disaster preparedness in Eswatini as the rainy season continues.
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