A South African non-governmental organisation, Gift of the Givers, has said more help is needed in Malawi following the devastating tropical cyclone, Freddy which hit the country earlier last week.
Gift of the Givers representative in Malawi, Sherifa Mia said that some parts of the country that were affected by Freddy are still inaccessible. <a href="https://www.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/more-help-needed-in-malawi-following-storm-says-gift-of-the-givers/">SABC News</a> quoted Mia as saying:
<blockquote>
We have the UN agencies we have international organisations, but the devastation is just so huge that still a lot of people, thousands and thousands of people haven’t been reached.
We were out distributing food to camps in rural areas and they were actually shocked to see us because nobody has been to see them, to give them any help.
The rain stopped two days now where in some areas it’s not raining, but in other areas is still raining, so still accessibility is a problem, and a lot of roads have been cut off.
</blockquote>
Last week President Lazarus Chakwera declared the devastation that Freddy has caused in Malawi a national tragedy.
Zambia has provided two aircraft to help in the rescue and distribution of relief aid to victims in areas where many people are still trapped.
More than 200 people have been declared missing by the authorities, while more than 300 people have died.
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Pindula News

South African NGO Calls For More Help For Freddy Victims In Malawi

Tropical Cyclone Freddy has killed at least 190 people in Malawi and five have been confirmed dead in Mozambique.
Freddy is refusing to dissipate and has broken records for the number of times it has re-intensified after weakening, <a href="https://news.sky.com/story/record-breaking-cyclone-freddy-kills-dozens-in-malawi-and-mozambique-12833346">reported Sky News</a>.
It has re-intensified after weakening seven times.
The cyclone has recorded the highest-ever recorded accumulated energy for a single cyclone – more energy over its lifetime than a whole typical US hurricane season.
According to French weather agency Meteo-France’s regional centre, the cyclone has not subsided yet. It has warned that “the heaviest rains will continue over the next 48 hours”.
Malawi police spokesperson Peter Kalaya said they expect the death toll to rise as some people have been reported missing. Said Kalaya:
<blockquote>
We suspect that this figure will rise as we are trying to compile one national report from our southwest, southeast and eastern police offices which cover the affected areas.
</blockquote>
Doctors Without Borders say the threat of a resurgence of cholera remains a major concern as Malawi recently suffered the biggest outbreak the country has seen in its history.
Freddy emerged on 6 February and travelled from near Australia across the entire southern Indian Ocean, hitting Madagascar and Reunion on its path.
The UN’s weather agency will determine if Freddy has broken the record for the longest tropical cyclone set by Hurricane John in 1994 of 31 days.
Meteo-France also said that Freddy should subside and exit back to the sea on Wednesday.
Experts say fossil-fuel-driven climate change has increased the number of intense and destructive storms in three key ways:
<ul>
<li>a warmer atmosphere can hold more moisture, increasing the extreme rainfall dumped by storms</li>
<li>hotter oceans fuel more powerful storms, spreading tropical storms further north and south</li>
<li>higher sea levels inflict more damage during a storm surge.</li>
</ul>
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Cyclone Freddy Deaths Rise To 190 In Malawi

The President of Malawi, Lazarus Chakwera, on Monday, declared a “state of disaster” in the southern region of the country after floods caused by Tropical Cyclone Freddy killed at least 99 people.
Heavy rains and strong winds destroyed houses, washed away roads and bridges, flattened crop fields and disrupted power generation.
Chakwera also appealed for help locally and globally for the tens of thousands of people who have been left without food and shelter. He said:
<blockquote>
Government is already responding to the emergencies, rendering urgent assistance to all affected districts, and appealing for local and international support for all the families affected by this disaster.
</blockquote>
The state of disaster has been declared in the following districts: Blantyre City and District, Chikwawa District, Chiradzulu District, Mulanje District, Mwanza District, Neno District, Nsanje District, Thyolo District, Phalombe District, and Zomba City and District.
Malawi’s Commissioner for Disaster Management Affairs, Charles Kalemba, told <a href="https://www.hmetro.co.zw/tino-vomits-in-dressing-room-scare/">CNN</a> that rescue efforts have been compounded by the rains that have continued to pound the country. He said:
<blockquote>
We are still having a lot of rain coming down. We are now experiencing landslides, flash floods, and stones rolling down some hills. Because of the weather, rescue efforts are not easy.
In some of the places we have to go and rescue people, it’s not easy to get there. It’s tough but we are making sure we do the job that we need to do.
</blockquote>
Schools in the 10 southern districts will remain closed until Wednesday, Malawi’s education ministry said in a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/malawigovernment/posts/pfbid0sZ5ZkoJzzYm4M94M8ZQvGBuLqmNG4Tq8Gw3etcPFqneYCn5j9h18aJTDVoC9Q5RTl" rel="noopener" target="_blank">statement</a> Sunday
Tropical Cyclone Freddy has broken records for the longest-lasting storm of its kind after travelling thousands of kilometres since it emerged on 6 February.
The cyclone has been described as a “very rare” storm by the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), which called its journey so far “incredible and dangerous.”
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Cyclone Freddy: Malawi Declares State Of Disaster In 10 Districts

More than 99 people were confirmed dead on Monday after Cyclone Freddy swept through Malawi’s southern districts.
The country’s Commissioner for Disaster Management Affairs, Charles Kalemba, told <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2023/03/13/africa/cyclone-freddy-hits-malawi-intl/index.html">CNN</a> that most of the deaths (85) happened in Blantyre, Malawi’s commercial capital. He said:
<blockquote>
We have recorded 99 people dead in about seven councils, with Blantyre city as the highest with 85 dead and about 134 people in Blantyre alone hospitalized.
</blockquote>
In response to the cyclone, Malawi’s government has declared a state of disaster in the southern region of the country.
According to <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/world/africa?ns_mchannel=social&amp;ns_source=twitter&amp;ns_campaign=bbc_live&amp;ns_linkname=640ff36ff7ce9556ed074681%26Death%20toll%20from%20Malawi%20tropical%20storm%20reaches%2099%262023-03-14T05%3A00%3A15.937Z&amp;ns_fee=0&amp;pinned_post_locator=urn:asset:80749ec9-ffd4-4935-a5ff-f52ddec75ee6&amp;pinned_post_asset_id=640ff36ff7ce9556ed074681&amp;pinned_post_type=share">BBC News</a>, heavy rains accompanied by strong winds induced by the cyclone have destroyed houses, washed away roads and bridges, flattened crop fields and disrupted power generation.
The main referral hospital in Blantyre was struggling to cope with the large numbers of the bodies of the deceased it was receiving.
Bereaved families or whose relatives are missing were being urged to go to the hospital to identify and collect the bodies for burial, with space at the hospital running out.
Weather forecasters predicted the heavy rains and flooding will continue on Tuesday.
Cyclone Freddy was expected to begin withdrawing from Malawi back to the Indian Ocean on Wednesday.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Cyclone Freddy Kills More Than 99 People In Malawi

Some parts of Manicaland Province, including Nyanga, Mutare urban, Chimanimani, and Chipinge, received heavy rains and winds from Sunday evening up to Monday resulting in landslides and damage to some houses and schools.
The Meteorological Services Department (MSD) on Monday said Nyanga received 102mm, Mukandi 97mm, and Chisengu 83mm of rainfall.
It said the thunderstorms and rain were caused by moisture stemming from the now decaying former Tropical Cyclone Freddy and relief rainfall caused by the mountainous area.
According to <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/freddy-brings-heavy-rains-landslides-in-manicaland/">The Herald</a>, the situation was very bad in Nyanga where a landslide blocked traffic on Troutbeck Road.
Secretary for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Manicaland Province, Edgars Seenza, said by late Monday night, excavators were on the ground to clear the debris. Said Seenza:
<blockquote>
I have received a report of a landslide along Troutbeck Road in Nyanga, blocking the road.
We have been advised that appropriate equipment has been taken to the site to clear the mud and trees on the ground so that traffic can start to pass.
I also heard that crops were affected by heavy winds in Chipinge District. A detailed report will be available tomorrow (today).
</blockquote>
Assistant District Development Committee for Nyanga Lloyd Kasima said:
<blockquote>
It’s still raining as I talk to you. Crops have been brought down in some areas and there is a landslide close to Troutbeck Hotel and a TLB is clearing the road. Buses and other vehicles could not pass.
Almost five households and teachers’ houses at two schools had roofs blown off by the winds.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Cyclone Freddy-induced Rains Trigger Landslides In Manicaland

Parts of Nyanga District in Manicaland Province received more than 102mm of rainfall over the weekend due to moisture that stemmed from Tropical Cyclone Freddy.
According to the Meteorological Services Department (MSD), Nyanga received 102mm, Mukandi 97mm, and Chisengu 83mm. It said:
<blockquote>
The extreme eastern parts of the country received very high precipitation amounts in areas such as Nyanga (102mm), Mukandi (97mm) and Chisengu (83mm).
This comprised thunderstorms and rain due to moisture stemming from the now decaying former Tropical Cyclone Freddy and relief rainfall caused by the mountainous area.
The northern provinces, Mashonaland West and Mashonaland Central had isolated thundershowers; while Matabeleland South and Masvingo provinces were cloudy and cool with rain and drizzle in places.
The only warm and dry areas were the northern parts of Midlands or Matabeleland North.
</blockquote>
The MSD has forecasted isolated showers in Mashonaland East and Central as well as Harare Metropolitan provinces. It said in a statement:
<blockquote>
Cloudy and mild morning conditions are expected in Mashonaland Central, Mashonaland east, Mashonaland East, Harare Metropolitan Manicaland, and Masvingo Provinces becoming less cloudy and warmer as the day progresses.
Isolated showers are expected in Mashonaland East and Central as well as Harare Metropolitan; with light morning rain and drizzle Manicaland, Matabeleland South and Masvingo provinces.
Matabeleland North, Midlands and Mashonaland West provinces should be mostly sunny and warm in the afternoon becoming mild in the evening.
</blockquote>
The Department of Civil Protection (DCP) has warned the public to be wary of possible lightning strikes and to avoid parking vehicles under trees.
The MSD said on 15 March, Masvingo, Manicaland, Harare Metropolitan and all Mashonaland Provinces should be mostly cloudy and mild with morning light rain in places.
<blockquote>
Midlands and Matabeleland South Provinces are expected to be briefly cloudy and mild at first becoming warm later.
Matabeleland North and Bulawayo Metropolitan should be mostly sunny and warm by day becoming mild towards evening.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Cyclone Freddy Drenches Nyanga

Tropical Cyclone Freddy has broken records for the duration and strength of tropical storms in the southern hemisphere.
According to <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2023/03/12/africa/cyclone-freddy-mozambique-intl/index.html">CNN</a>, the cyclone hit central Mozambique on Sunday and knocked down communications and electricity supply in the area.
More than 171 000 people were affected after the cyclone hit southern Mozambique last month, killing 27 people in Mozambique and Madagascar.
UNICEF said Freddy made landfall with sustained winds of nearly 150 kilometers per hour.
The cyclone caused “severe damage and cutting off children and families from critical services.”
Satellite data showed that after passing the port town of Quelimane, the storm continued inland towards the southern tip of neighboring Malawi.
Speaking to Reuters by satellite phone from Quelimane, Guy Taylor, the UNICEF chief of advocacy, communications and partnerships for Mozambique, said:
<blockquote>
The wind was very strong into the night … There is a lot of destruction, trees fallen down, roofs blown off.
It’s potentially a disaster of large magnitude, and additional support will be needed.
</blockquote>
Malawian authorities were expecting the cyclone to pass near the southern tip of the country by evening, bringing torrential rains and flooding.
Tropical Cyclone Freddy developed on 6 February off the northwest Australian coast, before tracking thousands of kilometres across the South Indian Ocean towards southeast Africa.
It affected the islands of Mauritius and La Réunion on the way to Madagascar, Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Cyclone Freddy Makes Landfall In Mozambique For Second Time

The current dry and sunny weather conditions currently prevailing in most parts of the country are a result of Severe Tropical Storm Freddy which is in the Mozambique channel but moving towards the northern coast of Mozambique, the Met Department has said.
In a weather update issued in conjunction with the Department of Civil Protection on Thursday afternoon, MSD said much of the country was dry, with the only light shower being over Kariba. It said:
<blockquote>
The proximity of Severe Tropical Storm Freddy, currently approaching the northern coast of Mozambique, led to a cirrus cloud over much of the north-eastern parts of the country (parts of Midlands, Harare Metropolitan, northern district of Manicaland and all Mashonaland Provinces); with a halo being noted in some places.
Cool morning conditions prevailed in these parts as the same system dried up much of the atmosphere with the only light shower being over Kariba.
It was sunny and mild in other parts of the country (Masvingo, Bulawayo Metropolitan, and Matabeleland North and South) and became warm by afternoon.
</blockquote>
The MSD has forecasted mostly sunny and mild weather conditions, with a chance of afternoon thundershowers over parts Masvingo, Manicaland, Mashonaland East and Central provinces on Friday, 10 March.
Sunny and hot conditions are anticipated over the remaining provinces.
Members of the public have been urged to take measures to protect themselves against high daytime temperatures.
On 11 March, windy and cloudy conditions with light intermittent showers are expected in Manicaland Province. Said MSD:
<blockquote>
In Manicaland Province expect windy and cloudy conditions with light intermittent showers that may be thundery in places.
Those in Masvingo, Midlands, Harare Metropolitan and all Mashonaland Provinces should experience brief cloudy periods and isolated afternoon thundershowers.
All other areas (Bulawayo Metropolitan as well as Matabeleland North and South Provinces) are anticipated to be mostly sunny and warm, though mild in the morning and evening.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Cyclone Freddy Dries Zimbabwe

Cyclone Freddy killed eight people in Madagascar and destroyed more than 1 000 homes when it hit the Indian Ocean island for the second time on Monday.
The storm killed 21 people and displaced thousands in Mozambique and Madagascar during its first journey westward in late February.
Cyclone Freddy is expected to make landfall again in Mozambique later this week.
According to<a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-64884106"> BBC</a>, the tropical cyclone is on track to become the longest-lasting storm on record and it continues to gain strength.
Freddy has already broken records for the strength it has accumulated and the 8 000km path it travelled across the Indian Ocean.
It already holds the record for the highest accumulated cyclone energy in the southern hemisphere.
Cyclone Freddy began its journey as a tropical storm on 6 February south of Indonesia and rapidly intensified to Category 1 intensity the following day.
By 11 February, Cyclone Freddy rapidly intensified again to Category 3.
Eight days later, as a Category 5 storm, Freddy became the longest-lasting, most intense Southern Hemisphere tropical cyclone as measured by the ACE index – in records dating to 1980.
ACE is an abbreviation for accumulated cyclone energy, and is a metric used by scientists to measure the duration and intensity of tropical storms and hurricanes around the world.
The higher the ACE, the longer-lasting and more intense the tropical cyclone.
Fifteen days after it first became a tropical storm, Freddy became only the second southern Indian Ocean tropical cyclone in NOAA’s best track database to have reached at least Category 1 intensity and track from near Indonesia all the way to a Madagascar landfall.
Cyclone Eline/Leon in February 2000 was the only other storm to reach such an intensity as well as last and track that long.
Cyclone Freddy made landfall in southern Mozambique as a tropical storm on 24 February but quickly lost much of its intensity the following day.
By the time it entered southern Zimbabwe, Freddy’s remnant had downgraded to a low-pressure zone.
Instead of its remnant low dissipating over southern Africa, it made a U-turn and tracked eastward into the Mozambique Channel and became a tropical storm again last Friday. 
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Cyclone Freddy Kills 8 In Madagascar, Set To Hit Mozambique A Second Time

Tropical Cyclone Freddy has revived in the Mozambique Channel and is expected to intensify before making landfall in Mozambique again, but this time in northern parts of the country later this week.
Strong winds, storm surges and life-threatening flooding are possible.
On Tuesday afternoon, Freddy’s centre was just off the southwestern coast of Madagascar.
According to <a href="https://weather.com/storms/hurricane/news/2023-03-06-tropical-cyclone-freddy-mozambique-madagascar-record">The Weather Channel</a>, 6 to 17 inches of rain has been recorded in Ranohira and Tulear (Madagascar) Sunday into Monday due to outer rainbands wrapping around Freddy.
The tropical weather system is expected to track toward the northwest over the next several days, gaining strength until reaching the coast of northern Mozambique on Saturday, 11 March 2023.
Landfall is expected to be farther north than its first Mozambique landfall on 24 February.
Cyclone Freddy could set a world record for the longest-lasting, most intense tropical cyclone.
It began its journey as a tropical storm on 6 February south of Indonesia and rapidly intensified to Category 1 intensity the following day.
By 11 February, Cyclone Freddy rapidly intensified again to Category 3.
Eight days later, as a Category 5 storm, Freddy became the longest-lasting, most intense Southern Hemisphere tropical cyclone as measured by the ACE index – in records dating to 1980.
ACE is an abbreviation for accumulated cyclone energy, and is a metric used by scientists to measure the duration and intensity of tropical storms and hurricanes around the world.
The higher the ACE, the longer-lasting and more intense the tropical cyclone.
Fifteen days after it first became a tropical storm, Freddy became only the second southern Indian Ocean tropical cyclone in NOAA’s best track database to have reached at least Category 1 intensity and track from near Indonesia all the way to a Madagascar landfall.
Cyclone Eline/Leon in February 2000 was the only other storm to reach such an intensity as well as last and track that long.
Cyclone Freddy made landfall in southern Mozambique as a tropical storm on 24 February but quickly lost much of its intensity the following day.
By the time it entered southern Zimbabwe, Freddy’s remnant had downgraded to a low-pressure zone.
Instead of its remnant low dissipating over southern Africa, it made a U-turn and tracked eastward into the Mozambique Channel and became a tropical storm again last Friday. 
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Cyclone Freddy Returns To Madagascar, Now Threatens Mozambique Again

Tropical Cyclone Freddy is now in Mozambique amid concerns that it may regain its intensity over the Mozambique channel before making landfall in Madagascar for a second time.
The cyclone, which had considerably weakened to a low-pressure zone by the time it reached Zimbabwe last week, made a U-turn and tracked back into Mozambique.
According to the Department of Civil Protection (DCP) deputy director in charge of response and operations, Farai Hokonya, the weather system killed 2 people and blew off several roofs in Chimanimani and Chipinge.
According to Zoom Earth, as of 2.40 PM on 1 March 2023, Freddy was still in Mozambique but inching closer to the coast, moving eastwards towards Madagascar, with sustained wind speeds of 30km/hr.
Cyclone Freddy affected Mauritius, Réunion and Madagascar, before making landfall in Mozambique on 24 February and later crossing the border into Zimbabwe.
Tropical Cyclone Freddy is one of five in known history to set a record for track length in the southern Indian Ocean, as it formed further east than the previous cyclones, reported <a href="https://www.eumetsat.int/record-breaking-tropical-cyclone-freddy-crosses-indian-ocean">EUMETSAT</a>.
The cyclone developed in the Timor Sea and was reported by the Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) on 5 February.
During a westward journey, Tropical Cyclone Freddy underwent a few intensity changes, and at its strongest, had sustained winds of 270km/hr.
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Cyclone Freddy Returns To Mozambique

Tropical Cyclone Freddy has weakened into a low-pressure zone in southern parts of Mozambique, the Meteorological Services Department (MSD) has said.
In its latest weather update issued at 4 PM on Saturday, 25 February 2023, in conjunction with the Department of Civil Protection (DCP), the MSD said by Saturday afternoon, Tropical Cyclone Freddy had become a low-pressure zone. It said:
<blockquote>
Its prolonged stay on land (off the southeast coast of Mozambique) depleted its energy, which caused a substantial weakening.
Prior to now, Zimbabwe was never touched. Because of its location, the country as a whole has enjoyed mostly sunny conditions.
</blockquote>
The Met Department has forecasted cloudy, rainy, and mild weather conditions in Mashonaland East, Manicaland, Masvingo, southern parts of Midlands, and Matabeleland Provinces tomorrow, Sunday, 26 February 2023.
There is also a possibility of isolated heavy falls with some rumbling.
The rest of the country is expected to experience mostly sunny and warm weather.
In the outlook period, that is, on Monday, 27 February 2023, the eastern and southern provinces (Mashonaland East, Manicaland, Masvingo, and southern parts of Midlands) are anticipated to be mostly cloudy, rainy, and mild during most parts of the day.
MSD said that it should be windy in Matabeleland South, Masvingo, and Manicaland Provinces, while the remaining provinces should be mostly sunny and warm.
<a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">More: Pindula News</a>

Cyclone Freddy Has Dissipated To A Low Pressure Zone - Met Department

Tropical Cyclone Freddy is still coming to Zimbabwe and the long-lasting weather system has already caused enormous damage in Mozambique.
According to the United Nations weather agency, Cyclone Freddy dumped “dangerous and exceptional rainfall levels” over Mozambique on Friday.
The cyclone made landfall in the coastal town of Vilanculos with wind speeds of 113 kilometers (70 miles), reported <a href="https://www.voazimbabwe.com/a/6978567.html">VOA News</a>.
It is now classified as an “intense tropical cyclone” after picking up speed over the Mozambique channel.
According to the regional weather centre in Reunion, the cyclone is projected to weaken as it cascades through southern Africa but still poses a serious risk of heavy rainfall to the neighboring nations of Zimbabwe, South Africa, Zambia, Malawi and Botswana. The U.N. weather agency:
<blockquote>
There is a potential risk that months’ worth of rainfall may fall in the space of a few days, causing widespread flooding in an area that already has saturated soils and high river basin levels from unusually heavy seasonal rains.
</blockquote>
In a statement issued on Friday, the Meteorological Services Department (MSD) said the cyclone had slightly delayed landfall by 12 hours. It said:
<blockquote>
The former Tropical Cyclone Freddy is currently in the Severe tropical storm stage, with a wind speed of rotation of approximately 110km/hr.
It has slightly delayed landfall by 12 hours. This delay will result in the further clearing of the atmosphere over southern Africa and strengthening Freddy’s rotational winds to 120km per hour (65 knots) by the time it makes landfall over southern Mozambique later in the afternoon.
In a few hours, Freddy’s spinning cloud bands (spanning more a +500km radius) would cause strong winds, reduced to less than 40 knots (typical strong winds are usually 20 knots), increased cloudiness and localised heavy rains (above 65mm) from Saturday 25 until Tuesday February 28, 2023 in districts such as Chimanimani, Chipinge, Chiredzi, Mwenezi, Chivi, Masvingo Rural, Zaka, Bikita, Gutu and Buhera.
</blockquote>
Cyclone Freddy is exceptional because of the long distance it has travelled and its longevity, developing on 6 February off the coast northwest of Australia.
It has affected island nations, including Mauritius and La Réunion, during its long journey across the entire South Indian Ocean.
This rarely-seen track was last recorded in 2000, with tropical cyclones Leon-Eline and Hudah.
More: <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Cyclone Freddy Still Coming To Zimbabwe

The Ministry of Mines and Mining Development has urged miners in waterways or low-lying areas to suspend their operations until Moderate Tropical Storm Freddy passes.
On Thursday, the Meteorological Services Department (MSD) said the intense weather system was expected to make landfall at 3 AM on Friday, 24 February 2023 in the southern parts of Mozambique, with its cloud bands spreading to cover a radius of 500km beyond the eye of the storm.
In a statement, the chief engineer in the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development, Michael Munodawafa, said Cyclone Freddy will bring heavy rainfall, causing flooding. He said:
<blockquote>
My fellow Zimbabweans, especially our small-scale miners and relatives, I’m sure we have all heard about the cyclone coming to Zimbabwe in the next few days.
The heavy rains and flooding will also result in instability in the ground due to oversaturation which will result in the ground collapsing and burying our miners alive.
… Let’s retreat briefly until the cyclone passes.
</blockquote>
The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has also suspended schooling in six out of the country’s ten provinces this Friday because of Cyclone Freddy.
Lessons have been suspended in Manicaland, Masvingo, Matabeleland South (parts bordering Masvingo), Mashonaland East, Mashonaland Central provinces as well as Harare Metropolitan province.

Cyclone Freddy: Miners Urged To Suspend Operations

The Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) has urged members of the public to take precautions to prevent electrical accidents during the period of Moderate Tropical Storm Freddy.
In a public notice issued on Thursday evening, ZETDC advised of safety tips for both indoor and output environments. ZETDC said:
<blockquote>
<h2>SAFETY DURING CYCLONE FREDDY</h2>
Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) wishes to advise the general public on ways to keep safe from electrical accidents during the period of Cyclone Freddy.
<h2>INDOOR ENVIRONMENT SAFETY TIPS</h2>
<ul>
<li>Unplug sensitive electronic equipment before the storm.</li>
<li>Turn off electronic appliances that were on before power was lost.</li>
<li>If you have to use any electrical appliance during a storm, always dry your hands before touching the electrical appliances.</li>
<li>When using an electrical appliance, make sure no part of it comes into contact with water and if it does happen, switch off and dry the appliance.</li>
<li>Never use water on an electrical fire. Use a multipurpose fire extinguisher instead.</li>
</ul>
<h2>OUTDOOR ENVIRONMENT SAFETY TIPS</h2>
<ul>
<li>Call the ZETDC National contact centre on 704 to report fallen power lines.</li>
<li>All fallen power lines should be treated as live and must not be tampered with during a rainstorm.</li>
<li>Waterbodies in contact with fallen power lines may be energized and thus should be avoided to prevent electrocution.</li>
<li>Never mow wet grass with an electric mower.</li>
<li>Do not stand under trees or electrical power lines during the rain.</li>
<li>If fallen lines come into contact with your vehicle, remain inside your vehicle and contact 704 for immediate help.</li>
<li>Do not drive over fallen power lines.</li>
<li>Use socket outlet covers for all outdoor sockets.</li>
<li>Please make sure all cables are well insulated and avoid using loosely connected or frayed cables.</li>
<li>While it’s raining, do not touch any electrical connections barefoot.</li>
</ul>
DO NOT TOUCH, DO NOT APPROACH, DO NOT CLIMB!!!
</blockquote>
The Meteorological Services Department (MSD) has said as of Thursday evening, Moderate Tropical Storm Freddy was in the Mozambique channel headed West-South-West, slowly towards the south-eastern parts of Mozambique.
The Met Department said landfall is expected overnight [03:00 am Friday, 24 February 2023] in the southern parts of Mozambique, with its cloud bands spreading to cover a radius of 500km beyond the eye of the storm.

Here Is How To Keep Safe From Electrical Accidents In Cyclone Freddy Zones

The government has directed that day scholars attending schools in six out of the country’s ten provinces should not attend school on Friday, 24 February 2023 due to Tropical Cyclone Freddy which is approaching the country from Mozambique.
This was revealed in a circular dated 23 February 2023 and addressed to Chief Directors, Head Office Directors, Provincial Education Directors (PEDs), District School Inspectors (DSI), heads of Primary and Secondary schools, principals of independent colleges, staff associations, responsibled authorities, Association of Trust Schools and church education secretaries.
The circular was signed by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, Tumisang Thabela. Part of the circular reads:
<blockquote>
Tropical Storm Freddy may bring heavy rains over Eastern Zimbabwe, and thereafter, spread to other parts of the country from 24 to 25 February 2023.
In view of the impending heavy rains, all institutions providing Primary and Secondary Education are advised that localised flash floods caused by Tropical Storm Freddy are probable in parts of… Manicaland, Masvingo, Matabeleland South (parts bordering Masvingo), Mashonaland East, Mashonaland Central provinces as well as Harare Metropolitan province.
The above-named areas have been placed on high alert and as a result of this extreme weather likelihood, no pupils within the above-named areas are to attend school or face-to-face instruction on Friday 24 February 2023.
Student boarders are to remain in their hostels and continue with their studies via alternative learning modes from the confines of a safe environment.
Heads of schools in these provinces are advised to exercise caution by notifying day pupils not to attend school on Friday 24 February 2023 or to attempt to cross any flooded rivers.
Please be guided accordingly.
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