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organisations have urged farmers to make use of the rains and harness the water for future use but also warned them against applying chemicals and fertilisers during the period as there are high chances they would be washed away.
Zimbabwe Farmers Union executive director Mr Paul Zakaria called on farmers to make use of the rains and harvest the water for future use.
Given the way the season is progressing, it was critical that farmers work with organisations like the District Development Fund and Agritex to conserve water than let it flow downstream.
“Farmers should take this as an opportunity to harvest water for later use. They should use ponds, ridging and other techniques to keep the moisture in the ground. We do not know whether the country will not be hit by prolonged dry spells like the ones experienced in the first part of the season,” he said.
Mr Zakaria, however, said there was little that farmers could do to reduce damage from hailstorms and sudden bursts of wind.
Zimbabwe Commercial Farmers Union official Mr Michael Mubvuma said farmers should delay the application of chemicals and ensure their animals are safe.
“The expected heavy rains are usually associated with falling power cables and trees. Farmers should ensure that their animals are free of such areas.
“Those involved in tobacco are encouraged to practise re-ridging as it is the only way to protect the crop from the floods,” he said.
The possibility of heavy rains and flash flooding has been heightened by the strengthening of the Tropical Cyclone “Funso” which is moving into the sub region.
The cyclone is currently in the Mozambique Channel heading towards Beira.
Parts of Mozambique and South Africa are already experiencing some flooding.
Tropical Cyclone Funso is currently within 120km of the Mozambique coastline and has already triggered localised flooding downpours in the country.
Funso’s slowmoving nature has added to the problem, bringing a continuous stream of rain into some places.
Areas most at risk of flooding in Zimbabwe include Mashonaland, Midlands, Masvingo, Manicaland, and the Matabeleland South provinces.
The Meteorological Services Department has since advised people to be prepared for the heavy rains and winds associated with the tropical depressions.
Tropical cyclones are characterised by thunderstorms accompanied by strong gushes of wind.
Senior Meteorologist Mrs Vimbai Mamombe said the bulk of the rains would be received during the evening and overnight.
“The tropical cyclone Funso currently in the Mozambique Channel and heading towards Beira is showing signs of intensification as it moves westwards towards mainland Mozambique.
“This should determine the magnitude of heavy falls over Zimbabwe. As of now, the prognosis is for rainfall amounts exceeding 80 millimetres in 24 hours which should be realised over Mashonaland, Midlands, Masvingo, Manicaland and Matabeleland South provinces.
“Accordingly, there will be heightened risk of violent thunderstorms and flash flooding in susceptible places and poorly drained soils,” she said.
“The department urges people in low lying areas of the country to implement early warning systems as recommended by the Civil Protection Unit like having night watches to alert people of changes in river flow with alerts communicated timeously to others,” she said.
Mrs Mamombe said the floods affecting parts of Mozambique and South Africa should forewarn Zimbabweans.
Over the years the country has been experiencing flooding in some parts of the country particularly in Muzarabani leaving a number of people homeless.
Online Reporter