RUTENDO CHIRUME
MASVINGO- The, Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA) has warned that it may open floodgates as heavy pours likely to be caused by Cyclone Freddy threaten to to fill up most dams in the southern and eastern parts of the country beginning tomorrow.
In a statement released by ZINWA cooperate communication and marketing manager, Marjorie Munyonga warned that more dams in Eastern and Southern parts of the country are expected to fill up and spill which might force ZINWA to release water in some of these dams increasing river flows down stream.
Munyonga also said the Authority will continue to give interval updates on the Cyclone but advised that communities along rivers and dams should be on high alert whilst people must avoid crossing flooded rivers.
“As the country braces for Tropical Cyclone Freddy, which is expected to bring heavy rains mainly in Eastern and Southern parts of the country starting February 24, 2023, the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA) expects more dams in the affected areas and beyond to fill up and spill.
“Some dams in the areas where the Cyclone is expected to have an impact are already full and spilling while others are almost full. To create storage space for the envisaged inflows and to alleviate any potential loss or damage to dam infrastructure, ZINWA may, in some instances, require to release water from some of the already filled up dams, thereby increasing river flows downstream.
“While prior warnings will be given ahead of the releases; communities downstream of dams are advised to be on very high alert and desist from crossing flooded rivers and to ensure that all water obstruction equipment along river channels is either removed or adequately secured,” said Munyonga.
From the statistics released on February 23 major dams in Masvingo, Mash East and Manicaland where Cyclone Freddy is expected to be felt more, Lake Mutirikwi and Muchekeramwa are already full while Lake Tugwi Mukosi and Osborne are almost filling up as they are at 91.7% and 96.2% full respectively.
The Meteorological Services Department said in a recent public statement that Cyclone Freddy beginning tomorrow until Sunday may cause localized heavy rains (above 65mm), and strong winds in districts such as Chimanimani, Chipinge, Chiredzi, Mwenezi, Beitbridge, Chivi, Masvingo Rural, Zaka and Bikita.
Save and Runde catchments have 10 major dams which are, Tugwi Mukosi, Mutirikwi, Osborne, Marovanyati, Muchekeramwa (formerly Causeway), Siya, Ruti, Manjirenji, Gwenhoro and Amapongokwe.
