Tinotenda Hove – The Meteorological Services Department (MSD) has assured the nation that Cyclone Dudzai will not affect Zimbabwe, dismissing fears of possible adverse weather linked to the tropical system.

In a statement, the department said it remains on high alert and is closely monitoring regional weather developments, but stressed that current forecasts show no risk to the country. “The Meteorological Services Department is actively monitoring weather systems and will continue to update the public as necessary,” the MSD said.

Cyclone Dudzai is the fifth cyclone to be recorded during the 2025/26 rainfall season. The MSD has indicated that this season is expected to be particularly active, with projections of more than nine cyclones forming in the South West Indian Ocean, four of which have already occurred.

“In terms of the 2025/26 tropical cyclone season, we have experienced four cyclones in the South West Indian Ocean,” said MSD head of forecasting, Mr James Ngoma.

He explained that the first cyclone, Awol, named by Malawi, dissipated while still over the Indian Ocean. “The second system, Blossom, named by Seychelles, also ended in the Indian Ocean, while the third cyclone, Chenge, named by Tanzania, was heading towards Tanzania but never made landfall on the African mainland,” said Mr Ngoma.

The fourth system, Tropical Cyclone Grant, originated in Australia and travelled across the ocean towards Madagascar. Although it was not classified as a South West Indian Ocean cyclone, it weakened before reaching Zimbabwe.

Turning to the current system, Mr Ngoma said Cyclone Dudzai, which was named by Zimbabwe, is also expected to fade before posing any danger. “According to the latest projections, indications are that Cyclone Dudzai will dissipate within the Indian Ocean and will not impact Madagascar or any part of mainland Africa,” he said.

He added that historically, cyclones that affect Zimbabwe usually occur between February and March, a period that coincides with the country’s peak rainfall season.

Despite the reassurance, the MSD has urged communities, particularly those in flood-prone areas, to remain vigilant and to follow guidance issued by the Department of Civil Protection.
Government has also reiterated that it is prepared for the rainy season and capable of responding to any disasters that may arise.

Department of Civil Protection chief director, Mr Nathan Nkomo, said the country’s level of readiness is high, although funding remains a key challenge.

“What we need are the funds, especially this time. Our multi-hazard contingency plan addresses the residual effects of past disasters, but we have not adequately attended to the necessary structures. This season’s rainfall could be particularly destructive,” Mr Nkomo said.

To strengthen disaster preparedness, Government has developed the National Multi-Hazard Contingency Plan, which is designed to improve coordination and response from national level down to communities and villages.

Authorities say the plan will ensure timely and effective responses to emergencies through close collaboration between Government and its partners, as the country moves deeper into the rainy season.