CYCLONE FREDDY: Govt orders closure of schools in some areas including Harare

The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has ordered schools in some parts of the country including Harare not to open for lessons on Friday as a precaution against tropical Cyclone Freddy.

In a circular addressed to various stakeholders within and outside Government, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry Tumisang Tabela said student boarders should remain at their hostels.

“In view of the impending heavy rains all institutions providing Primary and Secondary Education are advised that localized flash floods caused by Tropical Storm Freddy are probable in parts of Manicaland, Masvingo, Matebeleland 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 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,” said Tabela

Tropical Cyclone Freddy made landfall on the eastern coast of Madagascar on 21 February killing four people and 11 000 others displaced.