DAR ES SALAAM, Jan. 3 (Xinhuanet) -- The Tanzania Meteorological Agency (TMA) has warned that a drought is looming large over the country due to widespread failure of rainfalls in the short-rain season.

    The unpredictably sporadic rainfalls, that stretched between October and December last year, are expected to continue over the next two months, up till the start of the country's long-rain season, TMA said.

    The three Tanzanian annual seasons also include a dry spell in between June and September.

    TMA Director-General Mohammed Mhita said that the rains would be insufficient compared to normal seasonal averages.

    The drought situation that had existed since October last year would impact negatively on crop production, power generation and availability of water supplies for domestic and livestock use, according to the TMA chief.

    Tanzanian President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete has already appealed to the country in his New Year message to be frugal in the use of available food stocks so as to avoid famine. Enditem