BUILDINGS were destroyed in Chimanimani and Chipinge districts where two people and seven cattle were struck by lightning following incessant rains being received across the country as Tropical Storm Freddy approaches.
This comes at a time when the Civil Protection Committee
(CPU) has activated its systems in preparation for any eventualities in the
wake of the envisioned tropical storm.
Heavy rains and adverse weather conditions are expected in
most areas around Manicaland Province after Tropical Storm Freddy made a
landfall in Mozambique and is expected to induce more wet and harsh weather
conditions in some parts of the country, Manicaland included.
The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has
suspended today (Friday)’s lessons in areas that are likely to be affected.
Part of the circular reads: “In view of the impending heavy
rains, all institutions providing primary and secondary education are advised
that localised flash floods caused by Tropical Storm Freddy are probable in
parts of Manicaland, Masvingo, Matabeleland South, Mashonaland East,
Mashonaland Central provinces as well as Harare Metropolitan Province.
“The above-named areas have been placed on high alert and
as a result of this extreme weather likelihood, no learners are to attend
school or face-to-face instruction on Friday, February 24, 2023.
“Boarders are to remain in their hostels and continue with
their studies via alternative learning modes from the confines of a safe
environment. Heads of schools in these provinces are advised to exercise
caution by notifying day learners not to attend school on Friday or to attempt
to cross any flooded rivers.”
Ministry of Local Government and Public Works also chipped
in and said: “The Department of Civil Protection is urging citizens to be on
high alert of forecasted Severe Tropical Storm Freddy. The spinning cloud-bands
of the severe Tropical Storm Freddy are anticipated to cause localised heavy
rains (above 65mm), and strong winds in districts such as Chimanimani,
Chipinge, Chiredzi, Mwenezi, Beitbridge, Chivi, Masvingo Rural, Zaka and
Bikita.
“Tropical Strom Freddy is, however, expected to weaken from
Saturday. We call on all relevant stakeholders and traditional leaders to step
up efforts to disseminate information to their various communities, in
particular all Manicaland, Masvingo and Matabeleland South provinces where
heavy rains accompanied by strong winds are expected.
“We urge the citizens to take heed of the Meteorological
Services Department alerts as they continue monitoring the unfolding situation.
Citizens should be on the watch for possible flooding, avoid crossing flooded
rivers or streams, stay indoors and avoid artisanal mining on shacky grounds
during the period. Citizens living in low-lying area also encouraged to move to
high ground.”
Chipinge District Development Coordinator (DDC), Mr William
Mashava said one person and seven cattle were struck by lightning, while two
schools buildings had their roofs blown off in the district.
“From the rains that have been received so far, some
classroom blocks have had their roofs blown off. About eight houses had their
roof blown off at Chinyamukwakwa, Vheneka and Chisumbanje areas. In Ward 27,
seven beasts that were struck by lightning,” he said.
Mr Mashava said they have activated CPU systems in the
district and development partners have come in handy in their disaster
preparedness initiatives.
“We are preparing for any eventuality in the district that
might come as a result of the effects of Tropical Storm Freddy. In almost every
ward, we have at least two schools that were reserved for possible evacuation.
We have received immense support from development partners. Some have donated
their vehicles that will be on standby. Some have provided chainsaws, based on
the past experiences whereby we could not reach out to some areas after roads
were blocked by trees.
“Some chipped in with whistles, megaphones, ropes and other
non-food items. Sixty tents have already been delivered to Tongogara Refugees
Camp. The Meteorological Services Department in conjunction with the Ministry
of Publicity, Information and Broadcasting Services and PLAN will be helping
with communication throughout the process,” he said.
Chimanimani DDC, Mr Joseph Manyurapasi confirmed that a
classroom block had its roof blown off at Mataa Primary.
Mr Manyurapasi also confirmed the death of a Chimanimani
villager who was struck by lightning.
“So far, we have received a report at Mataa Primary School
where a classroom block had its roof blown off. We also have a report of a
person who was killed by lightning on Tuesday in Chief Mutambara’s area,” he said.
In Mutasa, acting DDC, Mrs Caroline Tichawangana said the
CPU is on high alert and no loss of lives and property has so far been reported
in the district.
“So far we have not recorded any rainfall related damages.
It is raining in most parts of the district and heavy rains are being reported
in Honde Valley and areas surrounding DC.
“We have alerted our communities of the impending Tropical
Storm Freddy through various platforms and we have identified 93 evacuation
centres across the district. We have also activated our district command centre
with members on standby to respond to any emergencies,” said Mrs Tichawangana.
Buhera DDC, Mr Freeman Maviza said: “All communities have
been alerted of the impending storm. Evacuation centres have been established
in hot spot areas.”
Nyanga DDC, Mr Nyashadzashe Zindove said: “We are always
alert and this time we have activated our CPU in the district. So far we have
not received reports on any damages and loss of life.”
Cyclone Idai survivor, Mr Givemore Muzhambi said his house
in Ngangu Township Extension has been flooded by the incessant rains being
received in Chimanimani since last week.
“We are frightened. I have a family of eight and during the
last cyclone disaster, my house was destroyed while we were sleeping inside. We
were all injured and that trauma is coming back to haunt us. We are praying
that nothing happens,” he said. Manica Post
0 comments:
Post a Comment