By Phephile Motau
Tropical Cyclone Freddy’s strong winds and heavy rainfall are likely to extend to Eswatini.
This is according to the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA). The organisation, and the Eswatini Meteorological Services, have since activated a tropical cyclone watch where they are continuously monitoring the evolution of this weather system to ensure timely communication of warning status to the public.
The NDMA said intense Tropical Cyclone Freddy was projected to make landfall on the eastern coast of Madagascar, on Tuesday and emerge into the Mozambique Channel on Wednesday.
The organisation said Tropical Cyclone Freddy was expected to make landfall along the east coast of Mozambique and potentially reach Zimbabwe towards the end of the current week.
“The Tropical Cyclone carries with it strong winds and heavy rainfall which is likely to extend into Eswatini,” the NDMA said.
Read More: Eswatini Meteorological Service keeping eye on Cyclone Freddy
The NDMA said after crossing Madagascar, Cyclone Freddy is projected to emerge in the Mozambican Channel and strengthen again before making landfall in Mozambique and potentially moving on to impact Zimbabwe, after decreasing in strength.
Eswatini is projected to be affected by the oncoming cyclone Freddy which may have a huge impact thus exacerbating the already fragile conditions in the country.
The organisation said lessons learnt from previous cyclones the most recent one being Eloise was that cyclones entering through the Mozambique channel brought about strong winds and heavy rainfall resulting in damages to critical infrastructure, dwellings, and flooding.
They stated that Eswatini also developed a costed Tropical Cyclone Readiness Plan for preparedness, humanitarian response, and early recovery activities to guide and coordinate response requirements.
Advisories:
Check your house; secure loose tiles and carry out repairs of doors and
windows; Retrofit where possible.
Trim down trees to make sure they do not fall over houses, telephones or electricity lines during the storm.
Keep your mobile phone fully charged and other appliances like torches handy as there may be power cuts during a cyclone due to strong winds and rains.
Houses built of sticks and mud must be protected from direct contact with roof water
Construct barriers (beams, floodwalls) to stop floodwater from entering your home. Sandbags can provide a temporary levee in an emergency.
Households located downstream of dams/rivers should remain vigilant and aware that dam spillways and flood gates are opened which may lead to increased water volumes to their homes unknowingly.
Schools, communities, and parents are advised to be always vigilant when sending children to and from schools especially those crossing rivers when journeying.
Ensure household members know which is the strongest part of the house and what to do in the event of a cyclone warning or an evacuation.
Clear your property of loose material that could blow about and possibly cause injury or damage during extreme winds.
In case of a storm surge/tide warning, or another flooding, know your nearest safe high ground and the safest access route to it.
Prepare an emergency kit containing: (a portable battery radio, torch and spare batteries, water containers, dried or canned food and a can opener, matches, fuel lamp, portable stove, cooking gear, eating utensils, and a first aid kit.
Increase water storage (water bottles, jerrycans etc) to use immediately after the cyclone.
Fill vehicle fuel tank and park vehicles under solid shelter
