Air Force of Zim gets US$800k jet fuel for Cyclone...

Air Force of Zim gets US$800k jet fuel for Cyclone Freddy rescue operations

Zim Now Writer

The Air Force of Zimbabwe has been allocated US$800 000 for jet fuel while the Police Sub Aqua Unit will get ZWL$235 million as government prepare for Cyclone Freddy which is expected to land in the country later today.

This comes as government has suspended lessons in boarding schools in five provinces expected to be the hardest hit by Cyclone Freddy.

Department of Civil Protection acting Chief director Nathan Nkomo his organisation is on high alert for the cyclone expected to be over Manicaland, Masvingo and Matabeleland South up to Sunday, February 26.

The amounts given to the two security arms are also to be used for buying accessories for rescue choppers and new equipment for the sub aqua unit.

“We are on high alert and there are ongoing awareness campaigns in communities likely to be affected,” Nkomo said.

According to the Meteorological Services Department, Cyclone Freddy is expected to head West-South-West and in 36 hours, reach its final peak intensity of around 110 km/h (60 knots).

“Freddy will be forced westward making landfall in the early morning hours of Friday, February 24, 2023 and quickly weakening over the next three days (NB:This trajectory may change drastically). However, as early as Thursday evening, into Friday morning, the spinning cloud-bands, of the Tropical Storm Freddy, are anticipated to cause localised heavy rains above 65 mm and strong winds reduced to less than 40 knots in districts such as Chimanimani, Chipinge, Chiredzi, Mwenezi, Beitbridge, Chivi, Masvingo rural, Zaka and Bikita,” reads the MSD report.

The cyclone is anticipated to be characterized with heavy rainfall and strong winds from Thursday evening to Sunday.

Members of the public are encouraged to stay indoors during thunderstorms unless if it is an emergency.