The ManicaPost
Luthando Mapepa
Chipinge Correspondent
THE Chipinge Civil Protection Unit has identified rescue centres ahead of the anticipated Cyclone Chalane that is expected to hit the eastern part of Zimbabwe next week.
In each ward, two evacuation centres were identified, making a total of 60 centres.
Speaking during a meeting held in Chipinge today (Friday), Chipinge District Civil Protection Unit chairperson, Mr William Mashava, who is also the District Development Coordinator, said they are targeting every area unlike yesteryears where those staying on low lying areas were regarded as prone to disaster.
“We have learnt a lot from Cyclone Idai. Before Cyclone Idai, the Civil Protection Committee was educating people to seek refuge on upland areas. However, when the cyclone came those who were regarded as safe were the ones who were greatly affected.
“Now we have identified rescue centres which we believe can be safe when the cyclone strikes. The areas we identified will help everyone in the district because of their location,” he said.
Mr Mashava said the district CPU has embarked on a whirlwind tour of Chipinge activating disaster risk reduction committees.
“Our membership is already on the ground doing awareness campaigns of the cyclone. We expect that when the cyclone eventually strikes, people will be ready,” he said.
Chairperson of transport logistics, Mr Isaac Sundawo, said development partners are already on standby to provide transport in the event of emergencies.
“We have mobilised resources from development partners and there are on standby with vehicles that will be used to evacuate all those affected,” he said.
