Transport and Communications Minister Brian Mushimba says the 2017/2018 rain season is expected to cause possible infrastructure damage and the occurrence of army worms across the country.

Speaking at a press briefing in Lusaka today, Mushimba disclosed that the country would between November 2017 and January 2018 experience normal to above normal rainfall in most parts of the country expect for the north east part.

He said that the 2017/2018 rains are expected to start by the end of November 2017.

“Each season comes with diverse implications across all sectors. The nation is therefore informed that the 2017/2018 rain season may experience Floods/flash floods especially in flood prone areas like eastern, western and southern provinces; Prevalence of fungal and water borne diseases such as cholera, dysentery and typhoid; An increase in mosquito breeding sites leading to increased threats of malaria transmission; Possible infrastructural damage especially to civil structures such as roads, bridges and culverts are also expected; and The occurrence of army worms across the country is also expected,” Mushimba said.

He said that the northern parts of Zambia are expected to experience thunderstorms and showers by mid-October.

“The forecast indicates that much of Zambia is likely to receive normal to above normal rainfall as follows: During the period October, November and December 2017, the forecast indicates that there will be a high chance of receiving normal rainfall over most parts of the country except for the north-east part of the country which comprises Isoka, Chama , Nakonde and northern part of Lundazi district and surrounding areas, where normal to below normal rainfall is expected,” said Mushimba.

“As for the period November, December and January, there is a high likelihood of receiving normal to above normal rainfall over most parts of the country except for the north-east part which is still expected to record normal to below normal rainfall. As we progress into December, January and February, much of the country will have a high chance of receiving normal to above normal rainfall. In the final period of the season, January, February and March, the whole country is projected to receive normal to above normal rainfall.”

The Minister further advised farmers to store their harvested crops properly to avoid damage.