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MBABANE – Government has committed E8 million to cater for any damage and potential challenges caused by the effects of Tropical Cyclone Freddy.
This was revealed by the Deputy Prime Minister (DPM), Themba Nhlanganiso Masuku, during a press briefing on the impending threat of the tropical cyclone.
Masuku said following lessons learnt by the country during Tropical Cyclone Eloise, the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) and partners had developed a cyclone readiness plan which had been reviewed in light of the looming threat.
This plan, he said allowed the agency to be on high alert through pre-positioning of response materials and mobilising resources for a comprehensive response.
The DPM, when asked on how they would ensure response reached the people in time due to the current state of roads, which were in a bad condition, said
WARNINGS;
Always make sure that building structures or homes close to river basins are avoided at all times.
Building homes downstream of dam structures should be avoided at all times.
Building safe or resilient structures is the way to go.
government had attended to most roads, although there were possibilities of damages that could be caused by the effects of Cyclone Freddy. Masuku said they had 4x4 vehicles, which were available and that there were response teams which were stationed in various areas across the country.
Victims
He said the NDMA had tents and food, among other things, to offer to victims of the tropical cyclone. Masuku stated that to ensure adequate response, the government, through the NDMA, had activated some sectors as per the Disaster Management Act 2006. These sectors included agriculture and food security sector, education sector, water and sanitation and hygiene sector, health and nutrition and early warning sectors. Others are the social protection sector, environment and energy sector, shelter and camp coordination sector, emergency ICT and security sector.
Masuku further requested the principal secretaries and heads of government departments and United Nations agencies to be actively involved in the preparedness response planning for the tropical cyclone and work with NDMA. He said the organisations should make sure that emaSwati were safe from the impending threat.
“NDMA will continue to monitor the generation of the cyclone and situational updates and advisories will be consistently issued on all media platforms daily.”
The DPM advised emaSwati to exercise extreme caution during the period and follow all warnings issued by the country’s authorities.