Zimbabwe’s Civil Protection Unit (CPU) has officially activated its disaster management systems across all levels of government in anticipation of several cyclones forecast to affect the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region during the 2025/26 rainy season. The move underscores the country’s commitment to proactive disaster preparedness and aims to minimize the impact of severe weather events on communities, infrastructure, and livelihoods.
The CPU, Zimbabwe’s lead disaster management agency, coordinates a broad network of stakeholders, including the Ministry of Health and Child Care, the Environmental Management Agency (EMA), the Defence Forces, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), the Red Cross, development partners, and numerous non-governmental organizations. These institutions work together to ensure a comprehensive, multi-sectoral response to climate-related hazards.
Each year, the CPU prepares a national contingency plan ahead of the rainy season to strengthen the country’s readiness for potential disasters such as cyclones, floods, droughts, heatwaves, and disease outbreaks. The plan is particularly focused on protecting vulnerable low-lying areas, which have historically borne the brunt of severe weather events.
This week, stakeholders convened in Bulawayo for a Multi-Contingency Plan Review Workshop, where CPU Director Mr Nathan Nkomo highlighted regional meteorological forecasts indicating a heightened cyclone threat.
“One of the presentations at the workshop was from the Meteorological Services Department (MSD), which, together with regional forecasters, predicted a total of nine cyclones to affect parts of southern Africa, with six expected to impact the SADC region,” Nkomo explained.
He added that cyclones typically affect Zimbabwe between February and March, coinciding with the country’s peak rainfall period. In light of this, the Minister of Local Government and Public Works has directed the CPU to activate all disaster management systems from the national level down to grassroots structures.
“All line ministries responsible for disaster management are now in sync with the CPU’s multi-contingency plan for the 2025/26 rainfall season,” Nkomo said, emphasizing that effective disaster preparedness requires a multi-sectoral approach. Different institutions are responsible for specific hazards: EMA must ensure environmental safeguards during floods or fires, while the Ministry of Agriculture is tasked with activating early warning systems for outbreaks such as foot-and-mouth disease.
Cyclone Forecasts Signal Potential Threats
Addressing the workshop, Minister Daniel Garwe stressed that modern disaster management prioritizes anticipation and prevention over reaction.
“Disaster risk is no longer about responding after an event occurs. It is about anticipating, preparing, and mitigating the impacts of hazards. Contingency planning is one of the most effective tools we have to minimize effects on people, property, and livelihoods through a sector-wide, whole-of-government approach,” Garwe said.
He also expressed condolences following the October 12 road accident in South Africa, which claimed 43 lives and injured over 40 others, underscoring the importance of comprehensive safety preparedness across sectors.
Garwe highlighted the rainfall forecast for 2025/26, which indicates that most parts of Zimbabwe are expected to receive normal to above-normal rainfall. While this is favorable for agriculture and water resources, it also increases the risk of extreme weather events such as flooding, heavy storms, cyclones, landslides, dry spells, and outbreaks of diseases like cholera and malaria.
“While the rainfall outlook is encouraging, it heightens the potential for hazards that can have devastating impacts on communities, livelihoods, infrastructure, and the economy,” the minister warned.
In response to these predictions, the CPU has activated its full disaster response system, signaling Zimbabwe’s heightened vigilance. Preparations include pre-positioning relief supplies, ensuring rapid response teams are ready, and strengthening early warning and communication systems to alert communities of imminent threats.
Nkomo reaffirmed that the CPU’s contingency plan is designed to reduce the impact of disasters on vulnerable populations, enhance coordination among stakeholders, and ensure a swift and effective response when hazards strike.
The activation of the national disaster management framework comes at a time when climate-related risks are becoming increasingly unpredictable, making proactive planning essential. By mobilizing all levels of government and partnering with civil society organizations, Zimbabwe aims to safeguard lives, protect property, and maintain socio-economic stability throughout the upcoming rainy season.
As the 2025/26 rainy season approaches, citizens are urged to remain vigilant, follow official advisories, and prepare for potential flooding and storms, ensuring that communities are resilient in the face of natural disasters.
Zimbabwe’s proactive approach reflects a broader regional trend within SADC to strengthen disaster resilience, highlighting the importance of preparation, coordination, and community engagement in mitigating the effects of extreme weather events.
Source- Bulawayo24
