marble nkomo
Thupeyo Muleya, Beitbridge Bureau
ACTING President Dr Kembo Mohadi has assured Zimbabweans that the Government is fully prepared to respond to climate-related disasters, urging citizens to heed warnings from weather experts as heavy rains continue across the country.
He said the Civil Protection Unit (CPU) has activated its structures nationwide to respond to emergencies linked to ongoing rains.
The Acting President also emphasised the importance of caution during the rainy season, warning against reckless behaviour that could lead to loss of life.
His remarks come after nine people, including a newborn baby, died on Thursday last week when a vehicle was swept off a low-lying bridge over the Tshangamutophe River in Mulula, Insiza District.
In an interview on the sidelines of the burial of his cousin, Mr Enock Singo, at Whunga Village in Beitbridge District, yesterday, Acting President Mohadi said the Government has intensified awareness campaigns to mitigate the impact of climate-related disasters.
“We have prepared adequately to deal with climate-related incidents this rainy season. Unfortunately, nine lives were lost in Matabeleland South this week when one reckless driver ventured into a swollen river,” he said.
“However, we are fully prepared. The Civil Protection Unit is on high alert, monitoring the situation continuously and keeping me updated on the ground.”
The Acting President urged citizens to observe early warnings and alerts from the CPU and police.
“Where necessary, people must delay their journeys and wait for water levels to subside rather than attempting to cross swollen rivers,” he said.
Acting President Mohadi further noted that while rains are beneficial, they also bring disasters such as floods and flash floods, underscoring the need for vigilance.
“The rains are always welcome, but they can also cause flash floods. We have been sending awareness messages warning people against crossing flooded rivers because bridges or causeways may have been washed away,” he said.
Last week, the Meteorological Services Department (MSD) had forecast heavy rains exceeding 50mm, accompanied by strong winds, thunderstorms and lightning. The MSD said warm, moist air driven by low-pressure systems to the north and south of Zimbabwe were expected to generate widespread thunderstorms, with some areas likely to receive over 50mm of rainfall within 24 hours.
Echoing the Acting President, Matabeleland South Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Albert Nguluvhe urged communities to follow weather updates from the MSD and CPU to reduce the impact of climate-related disasters.
The Provincial Civil Protection Committee has identified safe shelters in Beitbridge, including churches, community halls and schools on higher ground, in case of flash floods.
“We have noted the situation in our communities as the rains continue and most roads have been extensively damaged. These will be repaired in phases to make them trafficable,” said Minister Nguluvhe.
Beitbridge West legislator, Cde Thusani Ndou, called on community leaders to actively raise awareness about climate-related disasters and complement ongoing efforts by the CPU.
Some areas most prone to flooding around Beitbridge include Shashe, Tshitulipasi, Tshikwalakwala, Makakavhule, Tongwe, Umzingwane and Tshathapita, as well as other low-lying areas near rivers and water bodies.
Bongani Ndlovu