Harare – The government has put in place robust preparatory measures in anticipation of Cyclone Freddy which is expected to proceed from Mozambique to Zimbabwe and hit areas in Manicaland, Masvingo, Mashonaland East and Central as Provinces well as Harare.
Freddy developed during the first week of February in the northwest of Australia and South of Indonesia and is in its third week trekking across the Indian Ocean.
The cyclone tore through Madagascar on Wednesday, killing four people on the Indian Ocean Island while over 16 000 people have been affected according to Madagascar’s National Risk Management Office.
Although it brought less rains than feared in Madagascar, strong winds, of around 130 kilometres per hour were recorded.
Neighboring Mozambique, which is the next victim in the Cyclone’s path, has issued a red alert over with teams deployed on the ground in anticipation of rescue and evacuation missions.
With weather experts predicting that it may cause damage along its path, the Zimbabwe government has put up measures including setting up evacuation centres, deploying medical supplies in potentially vulnerable districts.
“Boarding schools are to remain open but suspend lessons in the affected areas on Friday to reduce movement of pupils,” Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said in a post Cabinet statement.
“Day scholars in affected areas can have Friday off to reduce student movement.”
In addition, Mutsvangwa said, boarding schools should gather students in buildings or dormitories with secure roofs or spaces where they can get covering if the roof is blown off.
In addition, Mutsvangwa said, Cabinet had directed that artisanal miners should avoid going underground while citizens should shun crossing flooded rivers.
She said public transport operators should operate during day times.
“Cabinet would like to assure the nation that all these measures are meant to avoid unnecessary loss of life to people across the affected areas,” she said.
- Latest
- Trending
