Zim Air Force gets $800 000 jet fuel as gvt prepares against Cyclone Freddy

The Air Force of Zimbabwe has been allocated US$800 000 for jet fuel while ZWL$235 million is set aside for the Police Sub Aqua Unit as Government readies for Cyclone Freddy which is expected to land in Manicaland Thursday.

Civil Protection Unit (CPU) acting Chief director Nathan Nkomo told The Mirror in an interview this afternoon that his organisation is on high alert for the cyclone expected to be over Manicaland, Masvingo and Mat South up to Sunday, February 26.

He said Government has since put in place measures to counter any possible effects.

The amounts given to the two security arms are also to be used for buying accessories for rescue choppers and new equipment for the sub aqua unit.

“We are on high alert and there are ongoing awareness campaigns in communities likely to be affected,” he added.

According to the Meteorological Services Department, cyclone Freddy is expected to head West –South- West and in 36 hours, reach its final peak intensity of around 110 km/h (60 knots)

“Freddy will be forced westward making landfall in the early morning hours of Friday, February 24, 2023 and quickly weakening over the next three days (NB:This trajectory may change drastically). However, as early as Thursday evening, into Friday morning, the spinning cloud-bands, of the Tropical Storm Freddy , are anticipated to cause localised heavy rains above 65 mm and strong winds reduced to less than 40 knots in districts such as Chimanimani, Chipinge, Chiredzi, Mwenezi, Beitbridge, Chivi Masvingo rural, Zaka and Bikita,” reads the Met report.

The cyclone is anticipated to be characterized with heavy rainfall and strong winds from Thursday evening to Sunday February 26, this year.

Areas that will be affected according to the Met Department include south of Manicaland, Masvingo and Mat South.

Members of the public are encouraged to stay indoors during thunderstorms unless if it is an emergency. According to some reports, the cyclone could affect some nations along the coast from Tanzania to South Africa.