CPU warns of impending floods

Liberty Dube
Post Correspondent
RESIDENTS, rural communities, school authorities, and other stakeholders in Manicaland have been urged to take extra precautions in light of the advisory warning of more rains expected this weekend.
Manicaland Provincial Civil Protection Unit chairman, Mr John Misi on Wednesday emphasised the importance of preparing for potential flooding, road disruptions as well as other weather-related challenges.
He encouraged citizens to stay informed, secure their homes, and ensure the safety of children, especially in areas prone to heavy rains and possible landslides.
Mr Misi also urged community leaders to monitor the situation closely and assist in coordinating efforts to keep their communities safe.
“People are urged to “retrofit” buildings (including houses) by thoroughly checking the condition of their roofs, windows, and doors. It is important to take cracks on their walls seriously, and address them early, as the saying goes, ‘a stitch in time saves nine.’ Ignoring early warning signs can lead to more severe damage, so proactive maintenance and timely repairs are essential to prevent bigger problems down the line. By being vigilant and taking these precautions now, we can ensure greater safety and resilience during adverse weather conditions.
“All schools in the province must also retrofit their infrastructure as mentioned above. Many of our schools have damaged windows, weakened doors, and old, fragile roofing materials. Learners should be cautioned against crossing water bodies, and staff members must conduct drills to teach learners what to do if it starts raining while they are on their way to or from school.
“Motorists, in particular, must avoid crossing flooded rivers. While more rain is needed, it is critical that we take all the necessary precautions to prevent unnecessary loss of life. Safety should always be the top priority, and everyone must remain vigilant, follow advisories, and take proactive steps to protect themselves and others from the dangers that heavy rains and flooding can bring. Small-scale miners, through the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development, should be advised to avoid their work areas during this time of the season,” said Mr Misi.
A number of lives were lost in Manicaland due to heavy rains, especially in January.
The education fraternity in Chimanimani District was recently plunged into mourning following the drowning of two infant learners who were swept away while attempting to cross the flooded Umvumvumvu River recently.
One learner was found dead 5km away from where she was swept, while the other one is yet to be located since the day of the tragic incident. The learners were coming from Tinashe Early Childhood Development Centre, a satellite of Matendeudze Primary School.
In Mutare, a Grade Six learner at Three Brigade Primary School, slipped off and was swept away while on her way from school. Her lifeless body was found near a footbridge after an incessant and thorough combined search by the police and members of the Zimbabwe National Army.