CPU Teams Remain Activated

MUTARE-The Civil Protection Unit in Manicaland Province has heightened its preparedness against tropical storms and heavy rains following the massive destruction caused by Cyclone Alvaro in Madagascar.

Cyclone Alvaro is the first tropical storm to make landfall this year which only
weakened before hitting the coast of Mozambique a fortnight ago.

It was earlier anticipated the tropical storm would return to the Mozambican coast, an occurrence which often leaves a trail of destruction in the coastal regions and eastern parts of Zimbabwe Deputy director in charge of civil protection in the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, John Misi said CPU technical teams from districts across the province have escalated disaster preparedness.

“The provincial CPU committees have been reactivated in readiness to deal with the potential disaster as this period is usually characterised by heavy rains and tropical storms. At district level, the district committees have been instructed to sensitise communities in flood prone areas to be on high alert,” said Misi.

The tropical storm, Cyclone Alvaro formed off the Mozambican coast near Beira and headed towards Madagascar where it made a landfall, heightening fears of a return.

The storm has since weakened but committees have been made to stand guard throughout the rainy season.

“We are in the rainy season, and the season brings with it many surprises. As such response teams remain activated and on high alert for an in incidents in disaster prone regions,” he added.

Manicaland province has however put together a Disaster Management Plan to strengthen the province’s preparedness and response capacity to natural disasters.

Due to its geographical location, each time cyclones and major tropical storms make landfall in Zimbabwe, Manicaland is often one of the most affected provinces in the country.

Several cyclones have hit Zimbabwe in recent years, with Tropical Cyclone Idai leaving the largest trail of destruction in 2019.

The tropical storm had far reaching impact affecting parts of Masvingo and Mashonaland East provinces.

Meanwhile, heavy rains left a trail of destruction in Chipinge town last week.

The rains started in the afternoon leaving several houses and perimeter walls destroyed.

A number of vehicles were also destroyed at the Chipinge Town Council offices after a big tree fell from the strong winds.