By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
The government of Zimbabwe has announced the launch of the Multi-Hazard Contingency Plan for the 2024/2025 rainfall season, a development that seeks to bolster national preparedness against a variety of potential natural disasters.
This announcement was made during the 40th post-Cabinet briefing by Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Honourable Jenfan Muswere, following a detailed presentation by the Acting Chairman of the Cabinet Committee on Environment, Disaster Prevention and Management, Honourable Prof. Amon Murwira.
The multi-faceted plan aims to address and prepare for a wide range of potential hazards, including but not limited to tropical cyclones, riverine flooding, flash floods, landslides, heat waves, severe thunderstorms, hailstorms, and wildfires.
Additionally, the contingency plan addresses potential human and animal epidemics, waterborne diseases, crop pests, extreme winds, mid-season dry spells, mine accidents, and road traffic incidents.
In his briefing, Minister Muswere highlighted the government’s commitment to safeguard communities, stating that the contingency plan has been designed to respond to disasters that exceed local coping capacities, as well as address transboundary diseases that could affect both human and animal populations.
“The nation is advised that riverine flooding may be prevalent in most flood-prone areas during the January, February, and March 2025 period due to anticipated high rainfall,” Muswere noted, urging communities to prepare in advance for the upcoming rainy season.
The government recommends that all stakeholders, including local authorities and community-based organizations, actively engage in preparedness initiatives and make use of the resources and guidelines provided in the contingency plan.
The announcement comes as Zimbabwe continues to face heightened weather patterns attributed to climate change, emphasizing the urgent need for proactive measures to mitigate the impact of potential disasters.
The government’s strategic approach seeks to enhance collaboration among various sectors and ensure a well-coordinated response to any emergencies that may arise.
As the nation grapples with the realities of climate vulnerability, the introduction of this plan marks a positive step toward enhancing resilience and ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens and livestock from the harsh realities climate induced and plant and animal diseases that often punctuate rainy season of late.