Govt ready to deal with rainy season hazards

Nokuthula Dube

THE Department of Civil Protection (DCP) has established the Emergency Operation Centre as part of measures to respond to disasters during the upcoming 2024-25 rainy season.

Zimbabwe, like other SADC countries, is set to receive normal to above-normal rains, raising the risk of floods and other rain-induced disasters. DCP chief director Mr Nathan Nkomo told The Sunday Mail that they have adopted a multi-sectoral approach to deal with disasters this season.

“In terms of our planning, as required by the Civil Protection Act, Section 9, Subsection (2:20) 2, I think we have done justice in applying the multi-sectoral approach in dealing with disaster-related issues,” he said.

“I can safely say we are ready in terms of all our sub-national structures, starting at the village level. Remember, the traditional leaders are now also roped in as part of our disaster risk management system. Starting at that level, we are conscientising all the structures about the current rainfall.”

The Emergency Operation Centre will coordinate with the SADC Humanitarian and Emergency Operations Centre (SHOC) on disaster management.

“In Zimbabwe, we are clearly guided by the regional focus we have managed to downscale through our Meteorological Services Department into what we call a national focus. The Emergency Operation Centres have already been activated. We will also interface with the SADC region, with the SHOC offices in Nacala, Mozambique.

“Already, we have a way of communicating and I am sure as we move on to November, December and January, where we expect more rains, we will be fully geared and the machinery will be well-oiled to respond to these hazards.”

He said the DCP is also wary of waterborne diseases caused by enhanced rainfall activity.

“Too many hazards are associated with the rainfall season; you can then start witnessing an outbreak of waterborne-related diseases. We have since deliberated on a contingency plan with our humanitarian partners,” added Mr Nkomo.

“We met in Marondera for two days and managed to produce a plan which we will submit to Cabinet for approval.”

Most of the SADC region is likely to receive good rains in the 2024-2025 summer cropping season, bringing hope to a region that was affected by one of the worst El Niño-induced droughts in years during the previous season.

Forecasts show that the region will experience a La Niña weather event, which is associated with wet conditions.

However, La Niña events are also associated with increased risk of cyclones — tropical storms that bring winds, heavy rains, damage and destruction.