Madagascar: Water Shortage

The drying up of large water reservoirs last year, likely to recur this year. "The hot and humid season from 2012-2013, is characterized by a risk of lack of rainfall or drought in several regions of the island," warned the press service of the Applied Research Directorate General of Meteorology yesterday . 

In Antananarivo, the temperature above normal, and will be combined with insufficient precipitation until February. Also, the maximum temperature does exceed the 25.9) ° C until November. This temperature increase of 2 ° C from December to February with some extreme cases, exceeding 28 ° C. While rushing to the capital will be below 193.5 mm, for the next two months and 832.3 mm, from December to February. 

"The rainfall inputs should improve late in the season, that is to say the period March-April 2013. This would be the case of semi-arid regions of South and South-West, where precipitation would be abundant in April 2013, "the statement added service applied research of the Directorate General of Meteorology.

Flood risk 

"The risk with this accumulated deficit and drought, followed by heavy precipitation, would flood. For the meager value could no longer hold a large volume of water, "notes an official weather service, remaining anonymous. 
But it does Flood risk is currently the main concern for people. "We are in the month of October. However, the wells of our fokontany, already recorded a decrease quite significantly 50cm. We do not know where to collect water during the month of November, if this condition persists "tells Ramaeninarivo Julien, a resident of the town of Ambohitrimanjaka. Given this concern, Bebiarivelo Rakoto, Secretary General of the Ministry of Water, can only raise awareness to manage the available water. 

"The rainfall deficit is due to climate change. The main action should be adapting to this change, including good water management. The fight against bush fires should also be strengthened to protect water sources. Artificial rains are only ad hoc solutions. Especially since they are dependent on climatic conditions, "she concludes.