The MDC notes with great concern the fact that cyclone Idai is heading towards Zimbabwe through Manicaland province to Harare.

The latest data shows it will be characterised by water, floods and winds of around 60 – 80 km. So far cyclone Idai has claimed 111 lives in both Mozambique and Malawi.

As the MDC, we mourn with our brothers and sisters in both Mozambique and Malawi who have lost their loved ones, properties and livelihoods.

The MDC calls upon the government through the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works to inform the nation on how prepared we are for this disaster.

We are asking for a clear plan which informs the nation on how people in low lying areas will be moved to higher ground, what we are doing as a nation to avoid any deaths due to this cyclone and how ready the Civil Protection Unit (CPU) to intervene with a rescue plan when the need arises.

The MDC demands that the government informs the citizens in all those areas that are going to be affected by the cyclone on what they are supposed to do to survive this cyclone.

This is urgent and it should be done now before it is too late.

The government must inform the nation on our disaster preparedness as a nation as well as informing the nation on what measures the country is putting in place to mitigate on the effects of climate change given the impact that is now a yearly recurrence.

The MDC is asking the government to be proactive instead of reactive in times like these.

MDC – Defining a new course for Zimbabwe

Jacob Mafume
National Spokesperson