‘Tropical Chalane has passed’
T
HE much-feared Cyclone Chalane, which later downgraded to a tropical depression has passed Zimbabwe, the weather forecaster has said.
However, over the past three days the tropical depression destroyed some infrastructure mainly in the Eastern Highlands, including Chipinge and Chimanimani.
“The tropical depression has greatly weakened and has now passed, we continue to monitor specific areas to assess the rainfalls and downstream effects, as significant rainfalls occurred along the path of the system,” reads part of a statement from the Meteorological Services Department (MSD) released yesterday.
The MSD said while light rains and windy conditions are projected, it will continue to monitor the situation for the safety of the people.
Amid new variant of COVID-19 and threat from Cyclone Chalane, government opts to suspend reopening of schools John Cassim | 31.12.2020
ZIMBABWE, Harare
Zimbabwe will no longer open schools in January in light of the surge in COVID-19 infections and threats posed by the Cyclone Chalane, officials said.
“In light of the surge in COVID-19 infections and the new and more contagious variants of the disease as well as threats by Cyclone Chalane, government has seen it fit to deviate from the previously announced 2021 schools’ calendar,” said the Education Ministry on Wednesday.
The statement further reads “the dates for the commencement of the 2021 schools’ calendar for all primary and secondary schools will be announced in the due course.”
Tropical storm heading straight for Namibia
A DEEP low-pressure system currently situated over Namibia combined with tropical storm Chalane bearing down on the country from the east will see heavy downpours occurring over large parts of the country over the next few days.
The tropical storm has already made landfall in Mozambique on Monday and in Zimbabwe, flood warnings have been issued.
Moist air over central Africa is being drawn down over Namibia by the deep low-pressure system that is drawing the tropical storm in a westerly direction which is also contributing even more moisture that could accumulate and fall in the form of rain over large parts of the country.
Zimbabwe-Schools-Opening December 31, 2020 to 08:25 937 APA-Harare (Zimbabwe) The Zimbabwe government has indefinitely deferred the reopening of the 2021 school calendar amid a spike in COVID-19 infections, a senior official has said.
Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education permanent secretary Tumisang Thabela said the government has resolved to postpone the reopening of schools which was set for January 4 to a date to be decided.
“Government has seen it fit to deviate from the previously announced 2021 school calendar that directed schools to open on January 2021,” Thabela said.
She said the decision was taken “in light of the surge in COVID-19 infections and the new and more contagious variants of the disease as well as the threat posed by Cyclone Chalane.”
Media Challenged to Raise Awareness on Looming Cyclone
Media have been challenged to raise awareness to the public on the looming cyclone and what was expected of them to save lives and property.
Commissioner for Disaster Management Affairs, James Chiusiwa made the challenge Wednesday in Lilongwe during the Press briefing on the State of Preparedness for the looming Tropical Cyclone Chalane.
He said the media has a very big role to play in reducing disaster risks and losses in the country.
Chiusiwa said tropical cyclone Chalane was coming at the time the Department of Disaster Affairs (DODMA) enhanced awareness of the public on flooding and lightning.