By Cecilia Chiluba/Zambia/Lusaka
Zambian Government has urged heightened preparedness across the country as it continues to experience increased rainfall linked to Tropical Cyclone Gezani.
Delivering a ministerial statement to Parliament on Friday, Minister of Green Economy and Environment Mike Mposha said sustained rainfall recorded since February 7, 2026, has been influenced by moisture inflow associated with Tropical Cyclone Gezani, currently situated over the South-West Indian Ocean.
Mposha noted that although the cyclone is not directly over Zambia, its circulation has enhanced moisture convergence over the country, leading to continuous and, at times, heavy rainfall across several provinces including Northern, Muchinga, Eastern, Central and the Copperbelt.
“From 7th February 2026 to date, Zambia has experienced a marked increase in rainfall activity across most parts of the country. During the early part of this period, from 7th to 9th February 2026, continuous and at times, heavy rainfall was recorded over Northern, Muchinga, Eastern, Central and Copperbelt provinces.”
“Subsequently, the rainfall activity extended to Western, Lusaka, Southern and Northwestern provinces, areas which had previously experienced a reduction in rainfall. This sustained rainfall is attributed to increased moisture inflow associated with Tropical Cyclone Gezani, which is currently situated over the south-west Indian ocean,” he said.
The Minister stressed that while the cyclone is projected to make landfall over Mozambique before weakening into a low-pressure system, uncertainty remains regarding its exact trajectory and intensity.
“According to current meteorological projections, Tropical Cyclone Gezani is expected to make landfall over Mozambique on 13th February 2026 and thereafter remain within the Mozambique channel before weakening into a low-pressure system over central Mozambique by 17th February 2026,” he noted.
As such, rainfall activity in Zambia is expected to continue over the next seven days, with varying intensity and distribution.
Mposha said as the Cyclone continues its westward movement, its anticipated impacts include elevated soil moisture levels across the country, rising river and stream levels, especially in low-lying and flood-prone areas, increased risk of flash floods and flooding, particularly in urban areas with poor drainage systems, and possible displacement of communities in high-risk areas, among others.
He a called on local authorities to intensify community sensitization on flood safety and preparedness measures, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone areas.
The Minister also directed Ministry of Health to heighten surveillance for waterborne and vector-borne diseases such as cholera, typhoid and malaria, which are commonly associated with flooding.
“Members of the public are advised to boil or treat drinking water, practice proper hygiene and avoid contact with floodwaters where possible. Health facilities, especially in flood-prone districts, should ensure adequate stocks of essential medicines and emergency medical supplies,” Mposha advised.
