To be forewarned . . .

NEWS that Tropical Cyclone Eloise, which landed in Mozambique three days ago, could affect Zimbabwe should be taken seriously with the same forward-thinking that stakeholders had as the country anticipated Tropical Storm Chalane.

Cyclone Eloise hit Mozambique, with rain and powerful winds of up to 130 kilometres per hour and news that it will now move toward Zimbabwe, Botswana and South Africa should worry us as a country.

Like what happened ahead of Chalane, evacuations must begin in affected provinces ahead of the impending tropical Cyclone and it is important for residents in the areas to pay heed to warnings and advice from the Meteorological department and other relevant authorities.

Media reports say at least nine people died on Saturday after Tropical Cyclone Eloise hit Mozambique in Africa’s southeast.

The victims died in the worsthit port city of Beira, most of them killed by falling trees.

Cars were submerged in water, walls of some low lying buildings collapsed and swathes of land were flooded in the city.

As we anticipated Tropical Storm Chalane, which was eventually diverted away from Zimbabwe, three evacuation centres – St Patricks High School, Nyanyadzi, Rusike and Nyanyadzi Training Centre – to accommodate about 300 people had been identified.

That is the same type of plans that the country should have, if not better.

As usual, the Civil Protection Unit is on high alert for the disaster and would provide full details subsequent to further consultations from involved stakeholders.

Everyone remembers 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.

We do not want a repeat of that horror and one sure way of preventing that is to listen to the authorities especially when the orders are to evacuate.

It may be painful to leave one’s house and property but if that is done to save your life, it is all worth it.

Nothing is more important than life.

It is also important to prepare for actions to follow as you evacuate.

Firstly, it is important to remain calm, especially if you have younger children or elderly people living with you.

Understand that the evacuation order is for everyone’s safety and figure out a plan about where you are going to go.

The best place to go is to a friend’s or relative’s home out of the warning area or on elevated ground.

Also, the Red Cross chapter may set up evacuation shelters in schools or churches across the area as has been done with the aforementioned areas.

When you are preparing to leave your home, move all valuables to higher ground like on top of beds and tables. This will prevent these items from being damaged should you have water come into your house.