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Cyclones predicted
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The Civil Protection Unit (CPU) has activated its disaster management systems at all levels of government in anticipation of several cyclones forecast to affect the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region during the 2025/26 rainy season.
The CPU, Zimbabwe's disaster management agency, brings together a broad range of stakeholders including the Ministry of Health and Child Care, the Environmental Management Agency (EMA), the Defence Forces, the Zimbabwe Republic Police, the Red Cross, development partners and various non-governmental organisations.
Each year, the CPU prepares a national contingency plan ahead of the rainy season to strengthen the country's readiness for climate-related hazards such as cyclones, floods, droughts, and heatwaves. The plan is also designed to reduce the impact of disasters in vulnerable low-lying areas that have been hardest hit in previous years.
Stakeholders met in Bulawayo on Wednesday for a Multi-Contingency Plan Review Workshop, where CPU director Mr Nathan Nkomo confirmed that regional forecasts indicate a heightened cyclone threat.
"One of the presentations at the workshop was from the Meteorological Services Department (MSD), which, together with regional forecasters, predicted a total of nine cyclones to affect parts of the southern region of the continent, with six expected to impact the SADC region," Nkomo said.
He noted that cyclones typically affect Zimbabwe between February and March — the country's peak rainfall period — prompting the Minister of Local Government and Public Works to direct the CPU to activate all disaster management systems from the national to grassroots level.
"All line ministries responsible for disaster management are in sync with the CPU's multi-contingency plan for the 2025/26 rainfall season," Nkomo said.
He emphasised that disaster preparedness requires a multi-sectoral approach, with different institutions responsible for specific hazards ranging from tropical storms and floods to landslides, heatwaves, fires, epidemics, and accidents.
"For instance, EMA must have a disaster response plan that ensures the environment does not bear the brunt of floods or fires. Similarly, if there's an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease, the Ministry of Agriculture must activate early warning systems," he explained.
Addressing the workshop, Minister of Local Government and Public Works Daniel Garwe stressed that modern disaster management focuses on anticipation and prevention rather than reaction.
"Disaster risk is no longer about reacting after a disaster occurs. It's about anticipating, preparing, and mitigating the impacts of hazards. Contingency planning is one of the most effective tools we have to minimise the effects on people, property, and livelihoods through a sector-wide, whole-of-government approach," said Garwe.
He also expressed condolences over the October 12 road accident in South Africa, which claimed 43 lives and left more than 40 others injured, underscoring the need for comprehensive safety preparedness across sectors.
Garwe added that the 2025/26 rainfall forecast shows that most parts of Zimbabwe are expected to receive normal to above-normal rainfall, which, while beneficial for agriculture and water resources, increases the risk of extreme weather events.
"While the rainfall outlook is encouraging, it heightens the risk of flooding, heavy storms, cyclones, landslides, dry spells, and possible disease outbreaks such as cholera and malaria," he said.
"This calls for enhanced preparedness and contingency planning at all levels, as such events can have devastating impacts on communities, livelihoods, infrastructure, and the economy."
The CPU's activation of its full disaster response system signals Zimbabwe's heightened vigilance as the region braces for a potentially volatile rainy season.
The CPU, Zimbabwe's disaster management agency, brings together a broad range of stakeholders including the Ministry of Health and Child Care, the Environmental Management Agency (EMA), the Defence Forces, the Zimbabwe Republic Police, the Red Cross, development partners and various non-governmental organisations.
Each year, the CPU prepares a national contingency plan ahead of the rainy season to strengthen the country's readiness for climate-related hazards such as cyclones, floods, droughts, and heatwaves. The plan is also designed to reduce the impact of disasters in vulnerable low-lying areas that have been hardest hit in previous years.
Stakeholders met in Bulawayo on Wednesday for a Multi-Contingency Plan Review Workshop, where CPU director Mr Nathan Nkomo confirmed that regional forecasts indicate a heightened cyclone threat.
"One of the presentations at the workshop was from the Meteorological Services Department (MSD), which, together with regional forecasters, predicted a total of nine cyclones to affect parts of the southern region of the continent, with six expected to impact the SADC region," Nkomo said.
He noted that cyclones typically affect Zimbabwe between February and March — the country's peak rainfall period — prompting the Minister of Local Government and Public Works to direct the CPU to activate all disaster management systems from the national to grassroots level.
"All line ministries responsible for disaster management are in sync with the CPU's multi-contingency plan for the 2025/26 rainfall season," Nkomo said.
He emphasised that disaster preparedness requires a multi-sectoral approach, with different institutions responsible for specific hazards ranging from tropical storms and floods to landslides, heatwaves, fires, epidemics, and accidents.
Addressing the workshop, Minister of Local Government and Public Works Daniel Garwe stressed that modern disaster management focuses on anticipation and prevention rather than reaction.
"Disaster risk is no longer about reacting after a disaster occurs. It's about anticipating, preparing, and mitigating the impacts of hazards. Contingency planning is one of the most effective tools we have to minimise the effects on people, property, and livelihoods through a sector-wide, whole-of-government approach," said Garwe.
He also expressed condolences over the October 12 road accident in South Africa, which claimed 43 lives and left more than 40 others injured, underscoring the need for comprehensive safety preparedness across sectors.
Garwe added that the 2025/26 rainfall forecast shows that most parts of Zimbabwe are expected to receive normal to above-normal rainfall, which, while beneficial for agriculture and water resources, increases the risk of extreme weather events.
"While the rainfall outlook is encouraging, it heightens the risk of flooding, heavy storms, cyclones, landslides, dry spells, and possible disease outbreaks such as cholera and malaria," he said.
"This calls for enhanced preparedness and contingency planning at all levels, as such events can have devastating impacts on communities, livelihoods, infrastructure, and the economy."
The CPU's activation of its full disaster response system signals Zimbabwe's heightened vigilance as the region braces for a potentially volatile rainy season.
Source - The Chronicle
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