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She said it was critical for people to listen to warnings and generally observe rainfall activity before moving out of their houses.
“In case of strong winds, people should make sure that they are settled in a house with the most secure roofs and close all windows and doors.
“Most big rivers are not yet full, but they are expected to burst their banks due to the torrential rains,” said Ms Ndlovu.
Areas with a high risk of floods include Matabeleland North, Mashonaland East, Mashonaland West, Mashonaland Central and Manicaland.
In Bulawayo province, where the heavy rains are also expected, Bulawayo City Council, through its Fire Brigade department, embarked on flood awareness campaigns to educate residents in the city on how to handle flooding.
Targeted areas for the campaigns included Emganwini, Nketa 7, 8 and 9, Nkulumane, Lobengula Extension, Old Lobengula and Gwabalanda.
The city council’s senior public relations officer, Mrs Nesisa Mpofu, said residents were encouraged to do what they were told in case of floods in their areas.
“Members of the public should move to higher ground as quickly as possible and phone the Fire and Ambulance Services if they need assistance.
“People should also clear their drains and make sure that their precast walls have openings to let out water,” said Mrs Mpofu.
In Matabeleland North, flood prone areas in the province include most parts of Tsholotsho and Matetsi Ward in Hwange.
Tsholotsho acting District Administrator, Mr Kelvin Mayoyo, said they had been holding pre-disaster sensitisation meetings in the district’s 22 wards and villagers had enough knowledge on how to deal with possible disasters.
“We have been holding pre-disaster meetings since September and a team from the Department of Civil Protection from Harare came and conducted campaigns in the district, which is prone to floods,” said Mr Mayoyo.
“The villagers have acquired enough knowledge through the meetings and campaigns. They are also aware of the floods that are anticipated in the area.”
He confirmed that DCP had set aside a fund for possible disasters.
“DCP has set aside a special fund that we can access at any time. We are therefore ready to react to any disaster anytime within the district.
“We also remind villagers to continue to be on alert whenever they are attending any other developmental programmes in their wards or in the district,” said Mr Mayoyo.
He said the District Administrator’s offices would be open throughout the holidays to attend to any reports that might come from the villagers.
“Our offices were open throughout the Christmas holidays and we are not going to take a break in case of any possible disasters.
“I would like to warn villagers to immediately move to higher ground once rivers overflow their banks to avoid unnecessary loss of life,” said Mr Mayoyo.
Online Reporter