Tropical Storm Ana weakens

Munashe Mukahlera

Tropical storm Ana that hit Mozambique at the weekend has weakened into an overland depression which is now losing strength. The storm hit Mozambique with maximum speed estimated at 110
kilometres per hour and a central pressure at 990 hectopascals.

Zimbabwe’s Meteorological Services Department said heavy rains, which are likely to cause floods and landslides were moving westward and influencing weather conditions in eastern parts of the country.

MSD Chief forecaster James Ngoma told ZTN that today (Tuesday) was the peak of depression which was expected to recede in the next few days.

“Tropical depression Ana is now an overland depression and it is tracking along the Zambezi valley which is to the northern parts of the country. However, the arms of this depression are extending afar field south as Chipinge into Chimanimani as well as affecting Nyanga areas. That moisture field is giving us significant rainfall over Manicaland provinces covering Chipinge into Mutare districts as well as Mutasa and Nyanga districts where we are getting significant falls,” he said.

Department of Civil Protection Director, Nathan Nkomo, said the danger was not yet alarming but they would remain on high alert.

“It is no longer as threatening as it was and we will continue to prepare as if it is mutating into a full cyclone because we know it is accompanied by heavy winds with downpours. We will continue to prepare because definitely some of our structures are going to succumb to the effects of the moisture,” he said.