Government to enhance early warning systems to mitigate weather-related disasters

Precious Manomano-Herald Reporter

Government has reiterated its commitment to improving early warning systems to mitigate weather-related disasters.

This follows a series of tragic incidents that resulted in the loss of over 60 lives and damaged roads, bridges, dams, and homes.

During the commemorations of World Meteorological Day held in Harare on Friday, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Climate, and Wildlife, Ambassador Tadeous Chifamba emphasised the need to enhance early warning systems.

The systems serve as vital lifelines for communities at risk.

Ambassador Chifamba announced that the Government, through the Meteorological Services Department (MSD), is addressing the gaps in the weather and climate value chain with the establishment of a National Action Plan.

“The lessons learned from these tragic events remind us of the importance of our early warning systems,” Ambassador Chifamba said.

“The early warning systems are not just there to collect data or for forecasts, they stand as crucial protective measures for our communities.”

World Meteorological Day, which is commemorated on March 23, ran under the theme ‘Closing the Early Warning Gap Together’.

The MSD has made substantial strides in modernising Zimbabwe’s meteorological infrastructure, notably introducing automatic weather stations at all 47 stations across the country, along with five Doppler weather radars that offer comprehensive coverage.

These advancements are critical to providing real-time data essential for accurate forecasting.

MSD Director Mrs Rebecca Manzou underscored the importance of international collaboration in safeguarding lives.

She warned of the increasing intensity and frequency of extreme weather events, including heat waves, catastrophic storms, floods, and rapidly intensifying tropical cyclones.

Between 1970 and 2021, reported global economic losses from weather and climate hazards exceeded US$4 trillion dollars, with two million lives lost.

However, advancements in early warning systems have contributed to a declining death toll, thanks to improved systems aimed at protecting lives.