adminAbigail Mawonde Herald Reporter
The Civil Protection Unit is prepared to deal with flood-induced disasters that hit some parts of the country every year, an official has said. This follows forecasts by weather experts that Zimbabwe was likely to receive normal to above normal rainfall that could result in flooding in low lying areas.
In an interview, the CPU deputy director Ms Sibusisiwe Ndlovu, said measures were being put in place to ensure the country was well prepared for any mishaps.
“Civil Protection Committees are on high alert to attend to emergencies that may arise as a result of dangers associated with the rainfall season.
“In case of a disaster, every effort will be made to ensure the required equipment is availed to the needy communities in the shortest time possible,” she said.
Ms Ndlovu said the CPU had been conducting awareness programmes in areas with high risk of flooding to ensure the people were not caught unawares.
“A number of wards have been trained in community-based disaster risk management in Nyanga, Chipinge, Chiredzi, Matopo, Kezi and Beitbridge.
“Other areas to be covered as the season progresses include lower Muzarabani, Chiredzi and Tsholotsho. “Posters for school children on how to avoid danger during the rainfall season have been made and these are being distributed to primary schools located in high risk areas,” she said.
The country received above normal rains last season which caused floods in Masvingo and Tsholotsho among other areas.
Flooding in Masvingo affected villagers in the Tokwe-Mukosi basin, who were later relocated to Nuanetsi Range.
Floods destroy property worth thousands of dollars annually and scores of people are left homeless.
The Air Force of Zimbabwe at times uses its helicopters to airlift affected people to safety.
Online Reporter