Zimbabwe urges people to ignore social media warnings about Cyclone Joanina

Zimbabwe today said that although Cyclone Joanina is a reality it is not going to hit Zimbabwe.

The country is currently fighting to recover from the devastating effects of Cyclone Idai which hit the country nearly two weeks ago and has claimed 167 lives so far.

More than 100 others are reported to be still missing.

The Ministry of Information today said Zimbabweans should listen to authoritative information from the Zimbabwe Meteorological Services rather than the social media.

“While it is understandable that people are anxious, if not jittery, in the wake of the colossal calamity in the name of Cyclone Idai, it is strongly advisable that people should rely on correct information so as to avoid undue panic and avoidable despondency,” the ministry said in a statement.

“Whilst Cyclone Joanina is indeed a reality, it is based in the Indian Ocean, far away from the African mainland.

“Cyclones that affect our part of the African continent mostly originate in the Mozambican channel. So far, expert evidence suggests that Cyclone Joanina will start and end in the Indian Ocean, not even affecting Madagascar, which shields the sub-continent from the high seas.”

The ministry said the Meteorological Services Department is continually monitoring the weather developments in the Indian Ocean, including Cyclone Joanina, and will keep the nation informed.

(227 VIEWS)