An estimated 1,200 hectors of field crops along the Kafue flats in Zambia's Southern province have been submerged due to flooding.

District Agricultural Coordinator Frank Lubasi confirmed the development Sunday in a press statement to National Agricultural Information Services in Choma.

Lubasi said a survey carried out by the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives indicated that about 4, 500 households in Itezhi-tezhi district have suffered crop losses.

He attributed the flooding to release of water from the Itezhi- tezhi dam on the lower Kafue flats submerging most maize fields and all the fishing camps.

Lubasi said that the situation has forced many households to prematurely harvest and sun dry early planted maize.

The district agricultural coordinator said the submerging of field crops will entail the government sending relief food to the district.

Lubasi stated that the district received above normal rainfall compounding the situation further as crop nutrients were washed resulting in leaching and flooding of fields.

Heavy rains in some parts of Zambia have destroyed roads, bridges, houses and crops.

Source: Xinhua