News / National
Floods warning in Bulawayo
14 Nov 2024 at 13:46hrs | Views
In preparation for the rainy season, Bulawayo's Civil Protection Unit, in collaboration with several civic society groups, has launched an awareness campaign aimed at educating residents on flood safety. The initiative, which involves key partners such as the World Food Programme, HOCIC, the Ministry of Health and Child Care, Africa Ahead, Danish Church Aid (DCA), and Bulawayo City Fire and Ambulance Services, is focused on empowering communities in the city's western suburbs with vital knowledge to help mitigate the risks associated with flooding.
The campaign, under the theme "Empowering Communities for a Resilient Future," kicked off in Nketa and is gradually extending to Emganwini, Munyoro, Nkulumane, and Pumula. Its goal is to raise awareness about the dangers posed by floods and provide residents with practical guidance on how to stay safe during heavy rains.
Key messages being shared through the initiative include crucial flood safety tips. Residents are being urged not to cross flooded streams or rivers, avoid driving through submerged bridges, and make provisions in their perimeter walls to allow rainwater to drain effectively. They are also advised to steer clear of flooded pits and rivers, which can pose serious risks.
The campaign also emphasizes the importance of vigilance in flood-prone areas such as streams and drainage channels. Flash floods can strike suddenly and with little warning, so it is essential for individuals to remain alert and prepared at all times.
The timing of the campaign is particularly important, as experts predict that the upcoming rainy season will bring increased risks of flash flooding, especially in areas already vulnerable to sudden and unpredictable weather. With this in mind, the authorities and their partners are working hard not only to raise awareness but also to equip communities with the knowledge needed to protect themselves and their families during this critical period.
By reaching out to residents in these targeted areas, the Civil Protection Unit and its partners hope to build a culture of preparedness and resilience across Bulawayo. Through education and proactive action, they aim to ensure that the city's communities are ready to face the challenges that come with the rainy season.
The campaign, under the theme "Empowering Communities for a Resilient Future," kicked off in Nketa and is gradually extending to Emganwini, Munyoro, Nkulumane, and Pumula. Its goal is to raise awareness about the dangers posed by floods and provide residents with practical guidance on how to stay safe during heavy rains.
Key messages being shared through the initiative include crucial flood safety tips. Residents are being urged not to cross flooded streams or rivers, avoid driving through submerged bridges, and make provisions in their perimeter walls to allow rainwater to drain effectively. They are also advised to steer clear of flooded pits and rivers, which can pose serious risks.
The timing of the campaign is particularly important, as experts predict that the upcoming rainy season will bring increased risks of flash flooding, especially in areas already vulnerable to sudden and unpredictable weather. With this in mind, the authorities and their partners are working hard not only to raise awareness but also to equip communities with the knowledge needed to protect themselves and their families during this critical period.
By reaching out to residents in these targeted areas, the Civil Protection Unit and its partners hope to build a culture of preparedness and resilience across Bulawayo. Through education and proactive action, they aim to ensure that the city's communities are ready to face the challenges that come with the rainy season.
Source - the chroncile
