Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo in Tshino village, Tsholotsho
TSHOLOTSHO district is today (Thursday) hosting the annual International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction commemorations.
The event will be officiated by the Minister of Local Government and Public Works Daniel Garwe, at Tshino Primary School and will be held under the theme; “Children and youth as the agent of change in Disaster Risk Reduction.”
On Wednesday, Matabeleland North director of Local Government, Mr Tapiwa Zivovoi, administrative officer responsible for civil protection, Mrs Miria Masvanise, Tsholotsho district development coordinator Mr Aaron Gono as well as Tsholotsho Rural District Council chairperson, Councillor Rophas Ndlovu were at the venue to ensure that everything was in place and ready for the commemorations.
The day’s proceedings will start with a procession led by the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services brass band and drum majorettes from local schools.
“Tshino was chosen mainly because this is where Government constructed houses for those 305 families whose homes were destroyed by floods in 2017, a catastrophic which was declared a national disaster by President Mnangagwa,” said Mr Zivovoi.
The houses were constructed in the Sawudweni and Tshino villages.
The International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction was started in 1989, after a call by the United Nations General Assembly for a day to promote a global culture of risk-awareness and disaster reduction. Held every 13 October, the day celebrates how people and communities around the world are reducing their exposure to disasters and raising awareness about the importance of reining in the risks that they face.
The rising cost of disasters reflects the growing impact of climate change and poor development choices. Globally, countries face increasingly severe natural events, driven by extreme weather and risk-blind planning.
While direct disaster costs reach around $202 billion annually, the broader economic impact is estimated at $2.3 trillion. Developing nations suffer the most, while wealthier countries face high financial losses.
The 2025 International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction calls for two actions, increase funding for DRR in public and international budgets, and ensure all development and private investments are risk-informed and resilient.
