The Sunday Mail
Sunday Mail Reporter
Zimbabwe has briefed the international community on the effects of Cyclone Idai, which ravaged some parts of the country leaving over 300 people dead and property worth millions destroyed.
Last week, Local Government, Public Works and National Housing Minister July Moyo attended the Sixth Session of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction in Geneva, where he shared Zimbabwe’s story on the cyclone.
The five-day meeting, which ended on Friday, focused on disaster reduction and giving support to countries affected by natural tragedies.
In a statement to The Sunday Mail, Minister Moyo said the meeting broadened Zimbabwe’s action plan post Cyclone Idai.
“It (the session) presented the perfect opportunity for networking and learning from those who have experienced similar disasters; and have managed to restore and rebuild stronger and more resilient infrastructure in line with the build-back-better approach,” he said.
“As it is a gathering that brings together all relevant stakeholders in disaster risk management, it provided the delegation an opportunity to meet all the relevant international stakeholders with capacity to assist in the restoration efforts in Cyclone Idai ravaged areas.
“We took the opportunity, of the meetings and engagements, to brief the international community on the Cyclone Idai induced disaster as well as recovery and reconstruction efforts.”
During the high level meeting, Minister Moyo also briefed stakeholders on the areas that the international community could mobilise support and assist in reconstruction efforts in areas affected by the heavy rains that were accompanied by strong winds.
The meeting also deliberated on development of an integrated multi-hazard early warning system, as well as support to the humanitarian and Cyclone Idai disaster appeals launched by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Minister Moyo was accompanied, by the Permanent Representative of Zimbabwe to the United Nations Office in Geneva, Ambassador Taona Mushayavanhu and other top officials.
Over 4 000 delegates comprising more than 40 ministerial level participants, senior government officials and heads of international organisations attended the meeting.
