Public urged to heed weather experts warnings

Members of the public should take warnings issued by weather experts seriously and take necessary measures to avoid loss of life and property, the Department of Civil Protection has said.

In an interview with New Ziana, DCP director Nathan Nkomo urged the public to note the accuracy of the recent forecasts by the Early Warning Unit.

The warning follows forecasts by the Meteorological Services Department that from this Thursday to Wednesday week, heavy rains exceeding 50 mm are expected across the country as the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone combines with a cloud band moving in from the West.

The downpours are expected in areas like Zvishavane, Shurugwi, Kwekwe, Kadoma, Chirumanzu and Mberengwa in the Midlands province, and in Chivi and Gutu in Masvingo.

Other areas where heavy rains are also expected include Harare Metropolitan, Chegutu, Zvimba, Bindura, Shamva and Uzumba Maramba Pfungwe as well as Chikomba, Seke, Wedza, Marondera, Murewa and Mutoko.

“People must take any warning given by the Early Warning Unit seriously. I am sure of late you have seen how accurate their focasts are, and anyone who doesn’t pay heed to the advice by the Early Warning Unit, will definitely lose his or her life,” said Nkomo.

He also urged members of the public to desist from crossing flooded rivers, while in the event that there are heavy rainfalls accompanied by strong winds, people should ensure that the structures in which they are housed are strong enough to withstand pressure.

“Each time we talk about a looming disaster, people don’t take it seriously, but I’m sure as we move on, we should then re-emphasise our education and awareness programmes so that people at least will minimise loss of lives, loss of properties. We hope the people will listen to the advice,” he said.

Nkomo urged the affected communities to quickly notify school heads who are the closest to the people as well as traditional leaders and the police.

He said his team is on full alert in the event that disaster strikes following warnings of heavy rains by the Met Department.

The DCP has since identified buildings which can be used as evacuation centres across the country when the situation demands that people be evacuated, said Nkomo, adding they have also set aside some grain with the Grain Marketing Board.

“In the event that roads and bridges are washed away, airlifting will also be an option in the whole process,” said Nkomo.

New Ziana