Story by Tendai Munengwa
Government has activated national risk and disaster management systems after an advisory of Tropical Cyclone Chido which is expected to affect the country from the 17th of this month.
According to The Meteorological Services Department, chances of the predicted tropical cyclone to reach Zimbabwe are projected at 80 percent, hence the need for all relevant authorities to be on high alert.
“The Tropical Cyclone Chido will first land in Madagascar then expected to arrive in Mozambique before it finally affects Zimbabwe on the 17th of December. We are still on a watch mode and monitoring its magnitude on the SADC Humanitarian Disaster Centre. The likelihood that we might have 60-70 milliliters of rain if Cyclone Chido hits Zimbabwe, the chances of flush floods will be high,” said senior meteorologist, James Ngoma.
Cabinet has already approved the Civil Protection Department Blue Print On Disaster Management.
“This Cyclone Chido will it bring the much needed rains. It is unfortunate that cyclones cause disasters, and by virtue of that cabinet has approved our budget. We need to be prepared for this “Chido”. Evacuation points to those who are susceptible to this cyclone must be in place. We are activating all systems to be on high alert in all areas where the cyclone is likely to hit,” said Chief Director in the Department of Civil Protection, Nathan Nkomo.
