Flood analysis and short-term prediction of water stages in river Songwe catchment

Abstract

Every year flooding of Songwe River has brought severe problems in the lower part of its catchment located in Kyela District. Floods lead to loss of people’s lives, destructions of infrastructures and properties. This study made floods analysis and short-term prediction of water stages. The study used rainfall data of Tenende weather station and water levels data at Kasumulu gauge station for identification of the flood patterns. Floods were grouped into three categories: floods with single peak, floods with several peaks and sprawled floods. The study recommends for the introduction and implementation of flood prediction practices, flood policy, and flood fight education, as well as continuous training of local residents on the best suitable traditional and modern ways of flood management practices and how to mitigate the floods effect.