Siphakeme .Mnindwa
Nqobile Tshili, [email protected]
THE Meteorological Services Department (MSD) has warned of heavy rains exceeding 70 millimetres within 24 hours between tomorrow and Thursday in the Matabeleland region and the Midlands.
The rains are likely to cause flooding in flood-prone areas, and members of the public, as well as motorists, have been advised against crossing flooded rivers.
The operation of machinery and open trucks, including tractors, during the rains is also risky, according to the weather agency.
It further warned against sheltering under trees during storms, as lives have been lost in such circumstances.
In its latest weather advisory issued yesterday, the MSD stated that heavy downpours were approaching from the western borders of the country.
“A thick cloud is slowly approaching the western borders of the country from Botswana. It is expected to be accompanied by moisture from the north-west as well as from the south-east,” said the MSD.
“This is anticipated to cause heavy rainfall (exceeding 70 mm) as well as strong winds in provinces such as Matabeleland South, Bulawayo Metropolitan, the Midlands, and the southern parts of Matabeleland North, effective from noon on Wednesday, 19 February, until the early hours of Thursday.
“There is a chance of flash floods in flood-prone areas and river basins. Roads may also be slippery, and visibility may be reduced by rainfall, necessitating an increased braking distance,” it said.
“There may also be fallen trees and power lines. Therefore, the public is advised to take precautionary measures as recommended by the Civil Protection Unit.”
The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has also urged stakeholders in the education sector not to allow children to cross flooded rivers, prioritising their safety.
Permanent Secretary for Primary and Secondary Education, Mr Moses Mhike, stated that schools would implement catch-up strategies as the rains have disrupted learning.
“These are the critical issues we will be considering as the school term comes to a close—whether to extend the term. I think for the critical areas where disruptions have occurred, we may give them an extra week or two to allow for catch-up,” he said.
“Alternatively, we could use weekends to bring pupils in for catch-up lessons. However, most of the catch-up strategies we implement will be based on recommendations from school heads.”
Colletta Dube