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Petros Zivengwa
Zimbabwe needs to improve its disaster mitigation mechanisms to forestall damage in the event of natural disasters such as the floods currently sweeping across some parts of the country. The floods, which caught many people unprepared, are a reflection of the dysfunction of the Civil Protection Unit (CPU). Property worth millions of dollars has been lost in floods sweeping across Gutu, Chivi, Mberengwa, Gwanda and Chiredzi, destroying dams, bridges, crops and homes.
Government has indicated that US$20 million is needed for the urgent evacuation, relocation, sheltering and provision of safe water and other requisite amenities for 60 000 people in the To- kwe-Mukosi Dam flood basin.
President Mugabe has declared the flooding downstream of Tokwe-Mukosi Dam, Masvingo, a state of disaster setting the tone for the mobilisation of more resources to assist affected families that have had their homes, food and other belongings swept away by the floods.
In Bulawayo, more than 100 families are being evacuated from the flood-hit medium- and low-density suburbs of Manningdale, Riverside, Matshamhlophe, Lockview, Parklands, Killarney and Mahatshula.
Some residents have had to watch as their land and homes get submerged since the heavy rains started two weeks ago.
To date, more than 100 families have been moved as they risk being swept away from their homes.
Crops have also been destroyed.
Governments and humanitarian organisations have invested time, money and resources in contingency planning but the challenge has been in establishing co-ordination between planning and effective response.
It is important to note that one of the most effective responses to human vulnerability or any form of environmental hazard is to strengthen mechanisms for early warning.
The Ministry of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing’s Department of Civil Protection (DCP), Government ministries, UN agencies and various non-governmental organisations should develop a National Contingency Plan that is updated annually to reflect the evolving hazard profile of the country.
This plan should be part of an important disaster preparedness process which allows Government and its partners to plan for disasters with the aim of minimising damage to property and loss of life.
Timely and accurate communication of relevant information about impending risks to vulnerable people before a hazard even occurs is key for enabling action to be taken to mitigate potential loss and damage.
While some threats are inherently unpredictable, many can now be anticipated with precision.
Zimbabwe is experiencing a more general period during which an extraordinary situation exists in which there is clearly a deterioration in the coping abilities for disaster
Recently 600 families were left homeless in a remote area of north-eastern Zimbabwe after floods washed away buildings and crops as well as disrupting power supplies.
Many villagers now need urgent assistance, including immediate evacuation to higher ground.
The CPU should do all it can to reduce the destructive and disruptive effects of a disaster prior to its occurrence, including preparedness and long-term risk reduction measures.
It must include the planning and implementation of measures to reduce risks associated with known hazards, and the process of planning for effective response to disasters that occur.
Mitigation measures can be done in different kinds, ranging from physical measures such as flood defences or safe building design of capacity building and sensitisation measures, such as training and public awareness campaigns.
Online Reporter