Disaster response teams on high alert as Cyclone F...

Disaster response teams on high alert as Cyclone Freddy approaches Madagascar

Zim Now Writer

Disaster response teams in the country have been activated following reports of a developing Cyclone Freddy as heavy rains continue to pound the country.

This comes as Zimbabwe has been receiving torrential rains, with some areas recording in excess of 50mm.

The Department of Civil Protection has, however, been warning members of the public against crossing flooded rivers, a warning it says is being ignored as videos of individuals taking risks and crossing flooded rivers have been circulating on social media.

Weather experts have said Cyclone Freddy, which is developing in the Indian Ocean, is likely to hit the country.

Meteorological Service Department head of forecasting, James Ngoma, said the department was closely monitoring the developing weather event and will have an informed decision tomorrow.

“We hope to see what happens when it reaches Madagascar. Hopefully by Tuesday the picture may be clearer,” said Ngoma.

The DCP has since activated its disaster response teams in readiness to deal with any potential weather hazards with its director, Nathan Nkomo, saying the department is following on the weather advisory on the developing cyclone.

“On the developing Cyclone Freddy, I’m sure the MSD is monitoring it. The last time we checked it was still miles away from the Mozambican channel. We will continue to monitor it as it reaches the Mozambican channel and see its trajectory,” said Nkomo.

Nkomo also said DCP disaster teams were activated in October when it was announced that the country is likely to receive normal to above-normal rainfall.

He said the department is, however, concerned with members of the public engaging in dangerous behaviour like crossing flooded rivers, despite their campaigns discouraging members of the public from doing so.

“No one should dice with death crossing flooded rivers whether they are going to beer halls, school or church or wherever,” he said.

“I have seen quite a number of videos of people dicing with death through crossing flooded rivers, but our message has been clear that the public should wait until the water subsidies.

“However, we are receiving arrogant responses on a yearly basis. People cross flooded rivers year in year out and the results are always the same, they get swept away,” said Nkomo.

He said State funds are needlessly lost when resources are deployed to recover individuals who would have made uncalculated and risky decisions.

The Sadc Climate Services, which indicated that heavy rains are expected in the region due to low pressure over Botswana, yesterday also warned that the cyclone might affect seven countries in the region.

“Intense tropical Cyclone Freddy is evolving in the mid-Indian Ocean and continues to track westwards. On this trajectory the system is approaching the Mascarenes and Madagascar. It may influence weather over Rodrigues and over Mauritius early next week with heavy rains. There is high risk that the cyclone might impact Madagascar by mid-next week,” reads the statement.