US warns its citizens as Cyclone Dineo hits Zimbabwe

Lovemore Lubinda

The United States of America through its Embassy in Harare has warned its citizens in the country to be wary of Cyclone Dineo that has affected some parts of Zimbabwe.

In a statement just released, the Embassy said;

“Following the forecasts of tropical cyclone-type rainfall by the Zimbabwe Meteorological Service, all US citizens living in or travelling to affected areas are strongly advised to monitor local weather reports, follow directions from local officials, and take other appropriate actions as needed.”

The tropical cyclone-type rainfall that has since downgraded into a tropical depression has already affected some parts of Zimbabwe including Mutare, Chiredzi, and Beitbridge and is expected to run until Monday, February 20, 2017.

According to reports, it has maintained its predicted course, and some of the most likely impacted areas include Masvingo, Matabeleland South provinces, as well as the southern areas of Manicaland Province.

Cyclones are characterised by heavy rains and violent storms that can leave trails of destruction.

In 2000, a similar cyclone ‘Cyclone Eline’ destroyed some regions leaving almost 136 people dead and 59 184 houses damaged. It also left thousands of livestock, destroyed schools, dams, toilets, clinics, and roads infrastructure.

So far, Cyclone Dineo has razed a town Guinta Dive Centre in Mozambique to the ground, destroying more than 20 000 homes, and downed power lines blocked roads as trees fell.