The Sunday Mail
Online Reporter
Devolution plays an integral role in the managment of natural disasters, hence devolved structures should be adequately capacitated, the Civil Protection Unit (CPU) has said.
The call comes as the country joins the rest of the world in commemorating the International Day for Disaster Reduction, which is held on October 13 annually.
This year’s commemorations will be held in Mashonaland West under the theme, ‘Multiple hazards are best managed in a devolved environment’.
In a statement, the CPU said provinces should understand and be adequately prepared for risks in their communities.
“Disaster risk assessments, education and awareness are important elements in reducing potential losses due to disasters.
“Every individual, household and community should understand disaster risks in their areas and plan how to reduce and mitigate their impacts. It is important that we collectively all take concrete actions to assess and understand these hazards, address vulnerabilities and make development plans that take these risks into account,” reads the statement reads.
“Any disaster occurrences happen in one community or the other hence, communities are the first responders. The capacitation of devolved structures is key to disaster risk management.
“Zimbabwe is vulnerable to a number of hazards both human induced and natural. Natural hazards include cyclones, landslides, drought, flooding, human and livestock epidemics, pandemics such as Covid-19 and lightning to mention some.”
