Harare (New Ziana) – The Government has ordered schools in provinces likely to be affected by the impending tropical cyclone Freddy to shut down on Friday as a precautionary measure.
In a statement on Thursday, Primary and Secondary Education permanent secretary, Tumisang Thabela said learners from Manicaland, Masvingo, Mashonaland East and Central as well as Harare provinces should not attend classes on Friday as precaution against possible harm.
“Tropical Storm Freddy may bring heavy rains over Eastern Zimbabwe and, thereafter, spread to other parts of the country from 24 to 25 February 2023. In view of the impending heavy rains, all institutions providing Primary and Secondary Education are advised that localised flash floods caused by Tropical Storm Freddy are probable in parts of Manicaland, Masvingo, Matabeleland South, (parts bordering Masvingo) Mashonaland East, Mashonaland Central provinces as well as Harare Metropolitan province.
“The above-named areas have been placed on high alert and as result of this extreme weather likelihood, no pupils within the above-named areas are to attend school or face to face instruction on Friday 24 February 2023,” she said.
Thabela said boarders are also directed to remain in their hostels and continue with their studies via alternative learning modes from the confines of a safe environment.
“Heads of schools in these provinces are advised to exercise caution by notifying day pupils not to attend school on Friday 24 February 2023 or to attempt to cross any flooded rivers,” she said.
The government has also set up evacuation points, and readied other rescue preparations for possible victims of the cyclone countrywide.
Meanwhile, the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA) said more dams in the areas likely to be affected by the cyclone and beyond are expected to fill up and spill.
“As the country braces for Tropical Cyclone Freddy, which is expected to bring heavy rains mainly in Eastern and Southern parts of the country starting February 24, 2023, the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA) expects more dams in the affected areas and beyond to fill up and spill,” ZINWA communications and marketing manager, Marjorie Munyonga, said.
“Some dams in the areas where the Cyclone is expected to have an impact are already full and spilling while others are almost full. To create storage space for the envisaged inflows and to alleviate any potential loss or damage to dam infrastructure, ZINWA may, in some instances, require releasing water from some of the already filled up dams, thereby increasing river flows downstream.
“While prior warnings will be given ahead of the releases; communities downstream of dams are advised to be on very high alert and desist from crossing flooded rivers and to ensure that all water abstraction equipment along river channels is either removed or adequately secured,” she added.
As of February 22, 2023, the national dam level average had risen to 90. 6 percent, with the number of dams which are now full and spilling also increasing.
“A considerable number of dams are now full and spilling and these include Mutirikwi, Mwenje, Arcardia, Silalabuhwa, Zhovhe, Tshangwa, Biri, Chivero, Mazvikadei, Ingwizi, Tuli-Makwe, Valley, Mhlangwa, Shurugwi, Antelope and Ngezi,” said Munyonga.
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