Story by John Nhandara
ZIMBABWE is taking a decisive step towards proactive disaster management after the National Disaster Management Centre, working through the Centre for Humanitarian Analytics, developed a technology-driven prototype designed to improve preparedness and response to natural disasters.
The system, which is now being finalised ahead of nationwide deployment, marks a shift from reactive disaster response to a data-driven, predictive and technologically enabled framework aimed at reducing loss of life and property.
Chief Director in the Department of Civil Protection, Mr Nathan Nkomo, said the prototype would soon be rolled out to key institutions, including local authorities, to strengthen disaster monitoring and early response at community level.
“The system that we are likely to roll out to the periphery is being done by the Centre for Humanitarian Analytics. We now have a prototype of that system. We will roll it out to institutions like local authorities. This will equip local authorities with the tools needed to monitor risks such as floods, droughts, and cyclones before they escalate into catastrophes,” Mr Nkomo said.
Meanwhile, the Department of Civil Protection has released its latest situational report for the current rainfall season, indicating that 538 people have been affected by weather-related incidents across the country.
Mr Nkomo said government had already stepped in to assist affected families through the provision of food aid, tents and other relief items.
“We had 538 people affected by the rains. Government has however chipped in. We are giving relief and tents and food items to affected families. We continue urging people to desist from crossing flooded rivers. Artisanal miners must also avoid mining activities as some of our disasters recorded are in the mining sector,” Mr Nkomo noted.
He further warned artisanal miners to suspend operations during heavy rains, noting that a number of recorded disasters during the season occurred within the mining sector.
The disaster response prototype incorporates advanced technological features such as real-time risk mapping, early warning integration and enhanced data analytics, allowing authorities to anticipate hazards and act before emergencies unfold.
Officials say the system is expected to significantly strengthen Zimbabwe’s disaster risk reduction framework and improve resilience as climate-related shocks become more frequent and severe.
