By Philemon Mutedzi

Government has warned Zimbabweans in low-lying areas to take the necessary precautionary measures to avoid the same catastrophic devastation caused by Cyclone Idai as another storm, Cyclone Kenneth, is set to hit the region tomorrow at 1800 hours.

Cyclone Kenneth is projected to hit some parts of Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Malawi.

In a statement issued by the Director of Civil Protection, Mr Nathan Nkomo yesterday, the Department of Civil Protection Unit warned that “all our people mostly those living in the flood prone of Mbire, Muzarabani, Mt Darwin, Nyanga, low-lying areas of Masvingo Province, Chimanimani, Chipinge, Mutoko, Mudzi and Gokwe North are advised to be on high alert.”

Mr Nkomo indicated that his Department, in conjunction with the Meteorological Services Department, would be issuing three hourly weather updates as heavy downpours are expected.

He indicated that the Department of Civil Protection had placed Provincial Administrators, District Administrators, Rural District Chief Executives, Town Clerks and traditional leaders on high alert and to spread the message to communities on the need to adequately prepare for Cyclone Kenneth.

Zimbabwe suffered catastrophic loss of life, limb and property, with entire towns being decimated in the wake of Cyclone Idai after people failed to heed warnings of the pending cyclone.