In a course of development, Chalane a tropical storm that evolved from South-West part of the Indian Ocean is reported to have scaled down to a mere overland depression.
The surging storm is said to have already made landfall in Madagascar and some parts of Mozambique while extending to the Eastern Highlands of Zimbabwean plateau.
According to the Government Presser held on the 30th December 2020, some parts of the Zimbabwean plateau were to be affected by the tropical depression and was closely working with the Department of Civil Protection and Meteorological Service Department (MSD) in monitoring situation on ground.
The Green Business Gazette (GBG) made a follow-up on the prevailing situation especially to the areas that had been identified as vulnerable to the overland depression.
In a joint statement issued by Meteorological Service Department (MSD) and Department of Civil Protection, Manicaland Province is experiencing an overland tropical depression for the next three (3) days. Mozambican Beira had already felt its impact on Wednesday
“Manicaland Province is experiencing an overland Tropical Depression from Wednesday 30 December to Thursday 31st December. The former Tropical Storm Chalane (now an overland Tropical Depression) made landfall over Beira in the early hours on Wednesday 30 December and is expected to rapidly dissipate with wind speed reducing from the current 50 knots to 25 knots, as it tracks westward over rugged hills of Manicaland Province in the next 12 hours.”
Chimanimani East, Member of Parliament Joshua Sacco briefed the government on Wednesday that the overland depression reached Chimanimani though the intensity is not yet comparable to the previous scenes of Cyclone Idai.
“We experienced heavy rains but so far we have not yet received any information on deaths and displacement of houses excerpt for few homes whose roofs were taken away by the storm.”
Permanent Secretary for Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Nick Mangwana announced on his Micro blogging Twitter account (@nickmangwana) about the prevailing situation on in various parts of the country.
(@nickmangwana) “Mash East Depression #Chalane has moved westwards, weakening in the process. According to @MSDZIM, Mash East should expect heavy rains today with a possibility of localized flooding.”
He also alluded that Matebeleland North and some parts of Binga experienced heavy downpours during the night.
According to Meteorological Services department, the Tropical Depression Chalane has greatly weakened and is now passed.
