Online Reporter
Nokuthula Dube
Bulawayo Bureau
GOVERNMENT is mobilising over US$96 million to prepare for and respond to multiple hazards expected during the 2025-26 rainy season, according to the National Multi-Hazard Contingency Plan, approved by Cabinet last week.
The plan outlines resource needs for emergency operations, including search and rescue, early warning systems, health, agriculture, transport, WASH, education and protection as well as early recovery programmes.
A total of US$47 million is required for preparedness and immediate response, while US$49 million is needed for early recovery, bringing the combined requirement to US$96 178 635.
Authorities warn that the upcoming season is likely to bring normal to above-normal rainfall, heightening the risk of floods, flash floods, cyclones, strong winds, lightning, landslides, disease outbreaks, crop pests, veld fires and mining accidents.
At least 500 000 people may be affected nationwide, and up to 250 000 could require assistance in the event of a cyclone making landfall.
“The projected normal to above normal rainfall is likely to influence heavy precipitation affecting the country, especially from December 2025 through to February 2026, bringing about hazards associated with the season,” read the plan.
“Moderate and localised strong winds will cause considerable damage to public infrastructure such as schools, health institutions, crops, livelihoods affecting between 5 000 and 15 000 households, including households headed by the elderly, persons with disabilities, child-headed households and orphans requiring assistance.”
The plan anticipates that cumulatively, more than 1 000 schools are likely to be damaged, affecting more than 20 000 learners.
“Cyclone-induced flooding and flash flooding is likely to affect at least 250 000 people, including persons with different forms of impairments requiring specific assistance.
“The state of disrepair of some roads and bridges will delay the provision of relief to affected communities and is likely to increase vulnerability in all the rural provinces of the country.”
The plan also anticipates mass human mobility of Zimbabwean citizens from South Africa, “due to unpredictable policy changes in South Africa”.
It says road traffic accidents, mining incidents, especially in artisanal mining areas, are likely to increase during the rainfall season.
“Seasonal human and animal diseases such as cholera and typhoid, zoonotics, and plant pests are likely to be moderate to severe due to high temperatures and other favourable conditions in all susceptible provinces of the country.
“We anticipate that Treasury will proactively release part of the funding for the Multi-Hazards Contingency Plan.”
According to the plan, search and rescue services operated by the Sub-Aqua Unit, the Zimbabwe Republic Police, the Air Force of Zimbabwe, the Zimbabwe National Army, fire brigades and mine-rescue teams require US$1,28 million to procure equipment, fuel and protective gear and to support deployment capacity during emergencies.
The Meteorological Services Department and water authorities need US$380 000 to upgrade early warning systems, strengthen communication channels and improve forecasting tools that support timely alerts.
The agriculture sector, which faces the dual risks of flooding in some areas and dry spells in others, has the largest requirement, amounting to US$25,7 million for early warning services, grain prepositioning, livestock protection, farmer training and climate-proofing interventions.
The education sector requires US$8,75 million for the rehabilitation of damaged schools, the establishment of temporary learning spaces, emergency water and sanitation services and the provision of teaching materials to support continuity of learning in affected districts.
The Water, Sanitation and Hygiene sector has a requirement of US$6,8 million for borehole rehabilitation, water treatment chemicals, hygiene supplies, emergency sanitation and solid-waste management.
Health and nutrition services require more than US$21 million for cholera and typhoid vaccination, malaria control, disease surveillance, nutrition commodities.
“It is imperative to brace up for the resurfacing of cholera in hotspot areas, including new areas,” the plan states.
Social protection services, including gender-based violence prevention, child protection and psychosocial support, need US$1.66 million, while shelter and camp management interventions require US$1,96 million for emergency tents, non-food items and the establishment of safe evacuation centres.
The plan also allocates US$599 400 for transport and logistics, which are essential for the movement of rescue teams, emergency supplies and technical personnel, particularly in areas where roads and bridges may become impassable.
