Story by ZBC Reporter
Government has put in place mitigatory measures to reduce the anticipated negative impact of Cyclone Freddy which is expected to reach Zimbabwe on Friday.
Presenting the second post-cabinet briefing this Tuesday, the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Honourable Monica Mutsvangwa said the following measures have been put in place:
- Evacuation centres set up
- Boarding schools remain open but suspend lessons on Friday and get students to safe places
- Day scholars in affected areas can have Friday off to reduce risk
- SMEs and artisanal miners should avoid going underground
- Citizens should avoid crossing flooded rivers
- Public transport operators advised to operate during day time
- Local authorities warned against settling people in wetlands, waterways, river basins and other undesignated sites
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has directed learners in areas likely to be affected by Tropical Storm Freddy not to attend school this Friday.
In a statement, Permanent Secretary for Primary and Secondary Education, Mrs Tumisang Thabela said in light of anticipated flash floods in Manicaland, Matabeleland South, Masvingo, Mashonaland East, Mashonaland Central and Harare provinces, it is necessary to protect children from possible harm.
Students in boarding schools are expected to remain in their hostels, while day scholars should not attend school this Friday or cross flooded rivers.
The powerful cyclone Freddy is expected to make landfall in Mozambique this Friday after battering Madagascar where five people were left dead.
The government of Mozambique has since declared a red alert for agencies to prepare for a potential emergency.
Meanwhile, people living in areas prone to flooding in Mozambique’s southern province of Gaza will be moved as a precautionary measure.
Gaza provincial secretary Lourenço Líndonde warned that it is unfortunate that some people sometimes try to resist government orders but authorities will not wait for people to die when they can be moved to safety.
