Chronicle Editor
Robin Muchetu, Senior Reporter
THE Civil Protection Unit (CPU) said it is adequately prepared for the anticipated above-normal rainfall patterns predicted by the Meteorological Services Department (MSD), urging communities to remain vigilant even in areas where no alarms have been raised.
After enduring a drought induced by El Niño that resulted in poor rainfalls across many regions, experts suggest a shift in the weather is on the horizon.
“As we get to November and December and January, we are expecting normal to above-normal rainfall till March,” said Mr James Ngoma, Senior Meteorologist at the MSD.
Mr Nathan Nkomo, Chief Director of the Civil Protection Department, emphasised that preparations are in place for high rainfall that may lead to flooding in certain regions.
“The Civil Protection Department has activated the provincial and district civil protection structures for purposes of preparing and responding to any incidents that may occur in their areas of jurisdiction. The CPU is currently mobilising more resources to augment the already prepositioned food and non-food items in the various provinces of the country. The resources consist of food (maize grain), tents (temporary shelter and classroom tents), blankets and clothes, among other items,” said Mr Nkomo.
Tsholotsho, Muzarabani, and Guruve Districts are among the most vulnerable areas prone to flooding, where residents have faced displacement due to excessive rains for years.
In anticipation of floods, Mr Nkomo revealed that the department has developed risk communication messages that will be shared via various media platforms.
“The Department of Civil Protection in collaboration with MSD and Zinwa issues constant alerts, watch, warnings and advisories throughout the season with a view to keep communities well informed about what to expect during the 2024/25 rainfall season. The Department of Civil Protection works with community radio stations in disseminating weather information in local languages in the spirit of leaving no one and no place behind,” he noted.
Risk information will be communicated through mainstream media, social media platforms like WhatsApp, X, and Facebook, as well as through existing Government structures that involve Extension Workers and Traditional Leaders.
The National Multi-hazard Contingency Plan for the 2024/25 season has been devised, opening avenues for partnerships with development partners and the private sector in preparation for the La Niña season ahead. The Minister of Local Government and Public Works is set to present this plan to Cabinet for adoption.
Minister Garwe also discussed the state of preparedness within the department.
“The Department of Civil Protection is working flat out to ensure that we are ready for any eventualities in terms of floods. We are being told by authorities on climate that we are likely to receive normal to above-normal rainfall. So, we are planning for situations where some areas will receive above-normal rainfall. The experience we had with cyclone Idai in Chimanimani is something we are riding on to ensure our level of preparedness is very high,” said the minister.
The department is collaborating with the MSD and Zinwa to communicate weather-related and hydrological information to various sectors and communities, enabling informed decision-making as the rains approach.
Last year, areas like Nketa, Cowdray Park and Pumula in Bulawayo as well as Beitbridge and Masvingo, experienced significant flooding due to incessant rainfall. This recurrent issue has been attributed to local authorities failing to clear storm drains prior to the rainy season. The CPU reiterated that local authorities are responsible for maintaining drainage systems to avert floods, adding that relocating affected households is not considered a primary solution. @NyembeziMu
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