PRESS STATEMENT ON SEVERE TROPICAL STORM FREDDY

The Department of Civil Protection is urging citizens to be on high alert of forecasted Severe Tropical Storm Freddy, expected to make a landfall in the southern parts of Zimbabwe from Friday 24 February 2023.

As early Thursday into Friday morning, the spinning cloud-bands of the Severe Tropical Storm Freddy  are anticipated to cause localized heavy rains (above 65mm), and strong winds in districts such as Chimanimani, Chipinge, Chiredzi, Mwenezi, Beitbridge, Chivi, Masvingo Rural, Zaka and Bikita.

Severe Tropical Strom Freddy is however, expected to weaken from Sarturday.

We call on all relevant stakeholders and traditional leaders to step up efforts to disseminate information to their various communities in particular  all Manicaland, Masvingo and Matabeleland South provinces where heavy rains accompanied by strong winds are expected.

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, stay indoors and avoid artisinal mining on shacky grounds during the period.

Citizens living in low-lying area  also encouarged to  to move to high ground

A National Civil Protection Commiite emmergency meeting was held on 22 February in Harare where stakeholders discussed possible measures to put in place in the event of a disasater.

District Civil Protection Committees countrywide have also been mobilised and Distrcit Developemnt Coordinators are required to be on standby to respond to any eventualities.

In the event that certain communities are evacuated, it means schools would  be temporartly closed on the affcted areas.

For further information please contact Mr N. Nkomo- Acting Chief Director, Civil Protection on 0773005477, Mr  F. Hokonya 0773654970, Ms M Sibanda 0773722925, Mr L. Betera 0773420090,  Mr T. Zimudzi on 0773300388, Mrs O Badza 0776466368.