Angelah Nothando Mlotshwa
It’s all systems go for disaster risk management teams in Matebeleland North in response to the looming floods that have been forecasted by the Meteorological Services Department.
This was disclosed by Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution (of Matebeleland North) Richard Moyo.
“The Civil Protection Unity team for the province is already on the ground in all the seven administrative districts of Matebeleland North.
We are encouraging people not to stay near rivers or low lying areas that have previously suffered the negative effects of floods”, said Moyo.
Meanwhile the Department of Civil Protection has said in a statement that heavy rains in excess of 65mm are expected in 24 hours in the Provinces of Mashonaland, Manicaland, parts of the Midlands, Matebeleland and Masvingo.
We publish the full statement below:
“THE Department of Civil Protection is urging citizens to be on high alert for forecasted torrential rains from Friday 6 through Sunday, January 8, 2023, across the country.”
“We also call on all relevant stakeholders and traditional leaders to find ways to disseminate the information to their various communities in particular all Mashonaland, Manicaland, parts of the Midlands and Masvingo provinces where heavy rains in excess of 65mm are expected in 24 hours.”
“We urge the citizens to take heed of the Meteorological Services Department alerts as they continue monitoring the unfolding situation.”
“Citizens should be on the watch for possible flooding, avoid crossing flooded rivers/streams and stay indoors during the period as the heavy rains may reduce visibility for motorists.
District Civil Protection Commitees countrywide have been mobilised”, reads the statement.
Previously flooding has caused excessive damage to houses, infrastructures and crops in low lying areas like Muzarabani and Tsholotsho. Flooding usually leaves affected communities needing immediate food, shelter, clean water and sanitation facilities.