Zambia Braced for Tropical Cyclone Freddy

The Zambian UPND government reassured the public on Wednesday that measures had been prepared to mitigate the negative effects of the impending Cyclone Freddy, including rains and subsequent flooding.

Minister of Green Economy and Environment Collins Nzovu said the cyclone was expected to reach Zambia on February 26, and there would be heavy rainfall, waterlogging and, in some regions, flooding.

He informed Parliament that the Ministry was asking those living in low-lying areas to find higher ground until the rains passed.

Mr. Nzovu added that the Ministry and Zambia’s meteorological agency would continue to update the public on the cyclone and its movements, and that the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit had mobilised.

The tropical cyclone hit Madagascar on Thursday, and is expected to move over Mozambique today.

The UN Department of Safety and Security issued an alert to its Zambian staff on Tuesday, encouraging them to remain vigilant ahead of the cyclone’s arrival.