The country will experience low rainfall and heavy thunderstorms this season, according to recent forecasts by the Sierra Leone Meteorological Agency.
Gabriel Kpaka, deputy director general of the agency (photo) said rainfall deficiency has become more pronounced in the last few years. This he attributed to deforestation, carbon emission mainly from the use of old vehicles, poor waste management and depletion of the ozone layer.
“This year’s rainfall is projected to be below the average rainfall for the period covering 1981 to 2010,” Kpaka said.
Early rains are expected in all regions followed by long dry spells at the start and the end of the rainy season. The agency also says there would be a high occurrence of strong winds and electric storms in September and October respectively.
Rainfall deficiency poses severe risks to farming activities as crop yield could be lower than expected.
The agency also projects a high risk of flooding due to torrential rains.
“Torrential rains with a record of 50mm will cause flooding,” Gabriel Kpaka said.
In their recommendation, the agency stated that tougher measures and strategies must be implemented to mitigate flood and other environmental disasters. They also recommended rainfall harvesting and integrated management of water resources to support crop yield, among others.
