Met monitoring changing weather patterns

TENDAI BHEBE IN BULAWAYO 

The Meteorological Services Department (MSD) is closely monitoring the changing weather patterns being experienced in the country.

MSD forecaster James Ngoma told Business Times the frequency of cyclones was worrying.

“We have had an increase in the number of cyclones. But still the period is not enough to say its climate change. We look at a period of 30 years plus to say it’s climate change. So currently we are in our 23rd year and we are still monitoring the events,” Ngoma said.

Climate change is threatening the viability of the agriculture sector, the mainstay of the country’s economy, with adverse impact on downstream industries and general access to water for human consumption and domestic and wild animals.

Last month, the government ordered boarding schools in five provinces to suspend lessons as part of mitigatory measures against the expected arrival of Cyclone Freddy, which had already hit Madagascar.

It was proceeding to Mozambique and possibly to Zimbabwe.

More than 190 people in Malawi have died after being hit by Cyclone Freddy.

Last Saturday, the government   dispatched 300 tonnes of maize meal to Malawi as part of Harare’s efforts to mitigate the plight of those affected by Cyclone Freddy.

Recently, President Emmerson Mnangagwa in Harare held a resource mobilisation drive for the benefit of victims of Tropical Cyclone Freddy in Malawi.

“In keeping with our enduring adage, ‘an injury to one is an injury to us all’ and the philosophy of Ubuntu/Hunhu as well as the long-standing cordial relations between our two countries, my government through ZimAid, has already donated 30 000 ten kg bags of maize meal,” he said.

Captains of industry, transporters and religious organisations pledged to donate several goods.

The pledges include grain, fuel, cement, transport and medical consumables among others.