Southern Africa's rainy season, traditionally a period of predictable abundance, has become increasingly erratic and destructive.
What was once a reliable cycle from November to March is now a volatile force, demanding a shift from passive anticipation to proactive preparedness.
For Zimbabwe, a nation particularly vulnerable to natural disasters, robust planning and community-level resilience are no longer optional but essential for navigating the escalating challenges of a changing climate.
The critical periods before, during, and after a disaster are pivotal moments for building resilience. With the current rains already wreaking havoc in some regions and the looming threat of flash floods, storms, torrential downpours, and powerful winds, Zimbabwe must be on high alert.
A proactive, informed, and coordinated approach is crucial to mitigating the devastating impacts of these increasingly frequent and intense weather events.
A cornerstone of effective disaster preparedness lies in empowering communities with the knowledge and information they need to protect themselves. This requires a concerted effort to accelerate the dissemination of early warnings and critical updates before, during, and after disasters.
Bridging the information gap is paramount, ensuring that communities are well-versed in weather phenomena and possess the knowledge necessary to make informed decisions.
Traditional and modern communication channels play a crucial role in this process. While resources like meteorological radios are invaluable for delivering timely updates, their limited availability poses a significant challenge.
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These radios, capable of providing critical weather information even in areas with limited connectivity, should be readily accessible to key community figures, including village heads, school administrators, local councilors, teachers, security personnel, and religious leaders.
These individuals serve as vital conduits of information, ensuring that life-saving updates reach even the most remote and vulnerable populations.
While social media offers a rapid means of disseminating information, its susceptibility to misinformation and exaggeration necessitates a cautious approach.
The potential for inaccurate or misleading information to spread quickly underscores the importance of verifying information from trusted sources and promoting responsible social media usage during times of crisis.
Traditional media outlets like radio and television broadcasts, alongside established print media, remain essential for delivering reliable and verified information to a broad audience.
The increasing complexity and magnitude of natural disasters, exemplified by the aftermath of Cyclone Idai, necessitate a significant investment in resilience building and preparedness.
The lines between natural disasters and the impacts of climate change are increasingly blurred, as weather patterns are supercharged by rising global temperatures.
What were once predictable, albeit less frequent, events have morphed into complex, volatile, and devastating occurrences.
The consequences of these intensified weather events are far-reaching, impacting infrastructure, livelihoods, households, agriculture, human lives, and livestock.
These climate-induced losses and damages underscore the urgent need for a coordinated, cross-cutting approach involving all relevant government departments and authorities.
Proactive planning must be at the forefront of all efforts to minimize humanitarian crises and protect vulnerable communities.
Communities residing in disaster-prone areas must be placed at the center of disaster management and resilience planning.
Their intimate knowledge of local conditions and vulnerabilities is invaluable in developing effective adaptation strategies.
Empowering these communities to participate actively in the planning process ensures that their specific needs and concerns are addressed.
This participatory approach also fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility, strengthening community-level resilience.
A well-resourced and capacitated multisectoral emergency response system is essential for providing timely assistance and facilitating community recovery.
Learning from past disasters is crucial for improving future responses.
The lessons learned, the mistakes made, and the losses endured should serve as a catalyst for developing comprehensive disaster literacy programmes.
Disaster literacy is transformative, aligning with several Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 15 (Life on Land), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
Educating communities about disaster risks, preparedness measures, and response protocols empowers them to take proactive steps to protect themselves and their livelihoods.
Building strong community networks and fostering knowledge sharing are vital components of disaster preparedness.
Establishing local and community disaster management committees, from the grassroots level to higher administrative structures, creates a framework for coordinated action.
These committees play a critical role in pre-, during, and post-disaster planning, including hazard mapping, vulnerability assessments, and resource mobilisation.
This inclusive approach ensures that no one is left behind and that all members of the community are informed and engaged.
Community participation is also instrumental in informing policy and ensuring that disaster management strategies are tailored to the specific needs of the local context.
Finally, recognising the psychological toll of disasters is essential. The trauma experienced by survivors can lead to long-lasting mental health challenges.
Providing access to psychosocial support services is crucial for mitigating the psychological impacts of disasters and promoting community healing.
Addressing both the physical and mental health needs of affected populations is an integral part of comprehensive disaster management.
As Zimbabwe faces the increasing challenges of a changing climate, a paradigm shift from reactive response to proactive preparedness is paramount.
By prioritising community empowerment, strengthening communication channels, investing in resilience building, and fostering a culture of disaster literacy, Zimbabwe can better weather the storms and build a more resilient future for all its citizens.
The time to act is now.
*Gary Gerald Mtombeni is a journalist based in Harare. He writes here in his own personal capacity. For feedback Email garymtombeni@gmail.com/ call- +263778861608
