Harare (New Ziana) – The government on Wednesday said it has taken steps to reduce the impact of Cyclone Freddy which is forecasted to reach Zimbabwe by Friday.
Information, Media and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa told a post Cabinet media briefing that there are fears that some provinces of Zimbabwe would be hit by the Cyclone.
“The nation is informed that Cabinet noted that Cyclone Freddy has hit Madagascar and its proceeding to Mozambique whereupon it will also affect neighbouring countries, inclusive of Zimbabwe. The provinces to be most affected include the following: Manicaland, Masvingo, Mashonaland East and Central and Harare Metropolitan. Weather experts are predicting that it may cause damages along its path,” she said.
“In view of this Cyclone information, the Government, through its agencies, has taken due alert.”
Mutsvangwa said the government had put in place measures including setting up of evacuation points as well as deploying aid and medical supplies at Government offices in potentially vulnerable districts.
“Boarding schools to remain open but suspend lessons in the affected areas on Friday to reduce the movement of pupils and should gather students in buildings or dormitories with secure roofs or spaces where they can get covering if the roof is blown off; and day scholars in affected areas can have Friday off to reduce student movement,” she said.
In addition, Cabinet directed that Small to medium enterprises and artisanal miners avoid going underground and citizens should avoid crossing flooded rivers.
Public transport operators were also instructed to operate during daytime.
“Cabinet would like to assure the nation that all these measures are meant to avoid unnecessary loss of life. The public will be kept abreast of all developments on the matter,” said Mutsvangwa.
New Ziana
