Cyclone Chalane evacuations begin

Evacuations in Manicaland province have begun ahead of the impending tropical Cyclone Chalane that is expected to hit Chimanimani and surrounding areas.

Manicaland Province development coordinator Edgar Seenza told H-Metro after a meeting held with the Meteorological department that from December 31 to January 02, the tropical depression will hit Manicaland Province and nearby areas.

“After the meeting which involved the Meteorological department, we were informed that the tropical cyclone Chalane depression will proceed into Zimbabwe around December 31 to January 2.

“We have identified three evacuation centres that are St Patricks High School, Nyanyadzi, Rusike and Nyanyadzi Training Centre.

“About 300 people would be accommodated at these centres while nine will be at Rusike.

“These are people from Chimanimani urban areas and some who have been hit by Cyclone Idai.

“We are taking the necessary precautions and we will be updating of the developments,” he explained.

He said the Civil Protection Unit was on high alert for the disaster and would provide full details subsequent to further consultations from involved stakeholders.

Tropical Depression Chalane has caused massive flooding in Madagascar, killing more than 30 people.

The phenomenon is said to be travelling at almost half the speed of Cyclone Idai whose devastating effects are still being felt in Chimanimani, Manicaland Province and surrounding areas.

Cyclone Idai killed more than 300 people, left hundreds missing while 20 000 were displaced as property worth millions of dollars was destroyed in Manicaland and Masvingo provinces.

The Meteorological department said Tropical Depression Chalane (previously a tropical storm) made landfall over Madagascar on December 27.