Another cyclone scare on the horizon

Oscar J Jeke

The Department of Civil Protection has confirmed that it has begun preparations in expectation of a prospective Cyclone Alvaro that has since hit Madagascar coming from the Mozambican coast near Beira.

This comes as there have been reports of the Cyclone’s likeliness to make a u- turn to Mozambique from Madagascar, which therefore makes it unpredictable to nearby regions like Zimbabwe which faces the risk of landslides given the current on-going rains.

In a statement, the Department’s director, Nathan Nkomo reiterated the unexpectedness of the natural phenomenon, adding that the season the country is in, is favourable for such hence the need to remain active and escalate preparedness in anticipation of the Cyclone.

“It’s a natural phenomenon. Look at what Cyclone Freddy did to Malawi, destroying unexpectedly. The way Cyclone Alvaro is going might not be the final one,” Nkomo said.

The metrological department also expressed the same sentiments, adding that they are aware of the developments and are monitoring the Cyclone which they say the trajectory is going eastwards towards Madagascar.

“We are monitoring the situation and we will issue a statement on the issue,” Meteorological Services Department director, Rebecca Manzou said.

Famine Early Warning Systems Network also posted on the same issue, warning that heavy rain is forecast in eastern southern Africa, increasing risks for flooding across south-eastern Zambia, northern Zimbabwe, western Mozambique and central Madagascar.

Heavy and above average rainfall has been predicted in northern and southern Africa, including northern Angola, Zambia, Malawi, northern Zimbabwe, northern Mozambique, Madagascar, central South Africa and Lesotho next week.