LESOTHO FACES FURTHER DROUGHT CONDITIONS

Lesotho faces more severe drought conditions than it was originally anticipated. This has been announced by the Lesotho Metrological Services (LMS) in a press statement .According to the statement, it had been expected that drought conditions would end by mid-September, however this drought is expected to continue through this month.

The LMS predicts that light rains ranging below 10mm will be received during this weekend and in the middle of the coming week. A few other showers are expected during the last 14 days of the month. The information from the meteorological services indicates that the drought conditions will remain severe, adding that high temperatures ranging up to 30 Degree Celsius and uncharacteristically strong winds are responsible for enhanced soil moisture loss.

Meanwhile, the release further showed that the drought is adversely affecting various agricultural activities such as land cultivation, which is hampered by the insufficient soil moisture, and  food security, which keeps deteriorating. The situation is also reported to be impacting on the lives of people and animals, as they  lack  drinking water. The meteorology services, said rangelands, although expected to benefit slightly from the light rains that will occur, are still expected to remain poor. The LMS therefore warns that disease outbreaks due to consumption of stagnant water remains a threat to both animals and people.

This prevailing drought has contributed to a total failure in winter cropping. It has already delayed  commencement of agricultural activities in the mountain region and it has also shortened the summer agricultural activities in the lowlands. Improved rainfall situation that will end the drought conditions are
expected towards the middle of next month.

14 October 2003