HARARE, Dec. 13 (Xinhua) -- Zimbabwe's Meteorological Services Department (MSD) on Friday announced that the country is on high alert for the potential impacts of Tropical Cyclone Chido, which is currently affecting the northeastern parts of Madagascar and is expected to bring rainfall to some areas of Zimbabwe starting Sunday.
Despite posing a significant threat to areas along its path, the cyclone is projected to have a reduced impact upon reaching southern Africa, including Zimbabwe, MSD Head of Forecasting James Ngoma said during a press conference in Harare, the capital of Zimbabwe.
"The spin speed will decrease from 200 km/h to 50 km/h. The trajectory will also change once it reaches the Comoros. It could shift south, north or west," he said.
Ngoma noted that rainfall is expected to begin Sunday in the provinces of Matabeleland North, Matabeleland South, Masvingo, Midlands and Harare, with widespread rainfall across the country anticipated by Monday.
As a precautionary measure, the Department of Civil Protection is advising residents in low-lying areas to prepare for potential evacuations if necessary.
In 2019, Tropical Cyclone Idai caused widespread destruction in Zimbabwe, with floods sweeping away scores of people and severely damaging infrastructure. ■
