Government is in the process of acquiring equipment and
software for tracking and monitoring tropical cyclones and storms to improve
the accuracy of weather information and avoid a devastating impacts such as
those witnessed during the March Cyclone Idai.
The Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Water, Climate and
Rural Resettlement, together with the Meteorological Services Department (MSD),
has already signed a contract with a company that will supply a network of five
radars, which will see the country being able to provide information on
tropical cyclones and storms as it happens, as opposed to forecasting.
MSD deputy director for engineering and ICT Engineer
Pomokai Mazhara said the department signed the contract on August 13 and has
since submitted its application for funds through the parent ministry to
Treasury and is awaiting release of funds.
He said US$6,5 million was required for a network of five
radars.
“The radars will enable the department to give people
appropriate and more accurate information,” said Eng Mazhara. “The first two
radars will be stationed at Bulawayo and Buffalo Range because the southern
parts of the country are more prone to cyclones and storms.
“By using radars, we can downscale information to four
kilometres resolution and we will also be able to have sector specific
forecasts which are more accurate. The software will be able to give us the
approximate amount of rain from a cloud or cyclone. This is a very helpful tool
in forecasting.
“Besides providing information on cyclones and storms, the
software can also be used for television weather presentations and can also be
used in aviation.”
Eng Mazhara said the process of procuring and installing
the software took about eight months.
“Once the money has been released, the supplier will start
manufacturing. This is a three-year contract and the signing is the first step
towards procurement,” he said.
There were concerns by the general public over how weather
experts handled the Cyclone Idai disaster which killed about 350 people and
destroyed infrastructure, mainly in Chimanimani and Chipinge.
People felt there was need to shift to latest technology
and carrying out more awareness campaigns in areas in the path of the cyclone.
The MSD said Cyclone Idai was an eye opener and there was
need for stakeholders to work together and invest in disaster preparedness and
management. Herald
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