Cyclone Freddy enters Zimbabwe

Tropical Cyclone Freddy entered Zimbabwe on Sunday causing some small damages to infrastructure in Chipinge, Manicaland Province.

The Herald reports that Tropical Cyclone Freddy lost its energy after making landfall in Mozambique and by the time the remnants entered Zimbabwe there was nothing much left.

Chipinge and some other parts of Manicaland and Masvingo provinces experienced some showers and winds yesterday.

The winds blew off roofs from a couple of huts and a teachers’ house at Chichichi Primary School in Chipinge.

Secretary for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution Mr Edgars Seenza told The Herald last night that the showers and winds were not as serious as forecasted. in the province, but said no major damages were reported. Mr Seenza, who is also chairman of the Manicaland Civil Protection Committee, said:

I am actually on my way from Chipinge; I have been going around the province checking on the situation. Some parts of the province such as Chimanimani, Hot Springs and Chipinge had some meaningful showers.

A few huts and some school buildings were affected by the strong winds but I will get detailed information from the command centre and share with you tomorrow (today).

In its update yesterday, the Meteorological Services Department (MSD) said cloudy and windy conditions prevailed in the southern provinces namely Matabeleland South, Masvingo, southern parts of Midlands, and Manicaland provinces.

Today, the eastern and southern provinces — Mashonaland East, Manicaland, Masvingo, Matabeleland South and southern parts of Midlands are expected to be mostly cloudy, rainy, and mild during most parts of the day.

Thunderstorms have a chance to occur in the afternoon while it should be windy in Matabeleland North, Matabeleland South, Masvingo and Manicaland provinces.

The windy conditions could blow off rooftops and loose debris as well as break tree branches.