The Disaster Risk Management Division (DRMD) under the Office of the Vice President, with support from stakeholders comprising Government Line Ministries, the United Nations System, and Non-Governmental and Civil Society Organisations, has finalised the 2026/2027 El Niho…

The Disaster Risk Management Division (DRMD) under the Office of the Vice President, with  support from stakeholders comprising Government Line Ministries, the United Nations System, and Non-Governmental and Civil Society Organisations, has finalised the 2026/2027 El Niho Cluster Readiness, Preparedness and Anticipatory Action Plan.

This is a multi-sectoral plan to guide the country’s preparedness and early action ahead of the anticipated El Niño-influenced 2026/2027 rainfall season.

The plan is in response to the 2026/2027, a seasonal rainfall forecast indicating a likelihood of below-normal rainfall in the Southern part of the country and above-normal rainfall in the Northern half part of the country.

DRMD National Coordinator, Norman Chipakupaku has highlighted that prolonged dry spells are also expected in some areas during critical periods of the agricultural season, requiring early preparedness for multiple and interconnected hazards.

Mr Chipakupaku noted that the plan focuses on strengthening early warning and early action, pre-positioning essential supplies, protecting vulnerable groups and maintaining critical services.

He added that it will strengthen food and water security, support continuity of learning and enhance risk communication and community engagement.

Mr Chipakupaku further explained that the plan will on the other hand bring preparedness and anticipatory actions in key sectors, including agriculture, food security and livestock, health, education, nutrition, water, sanitation and hygiene, energy, protection and emergency logistics.

He reiterated that the plan provides for risk communication and community engagement to ensure that communities are better prepared for possible impacts of the 2026/2027 rainfall season.

Mr Chipakupaku stated that the plan had been developed in line with the Disaster Management Amendment Act Number 2 of 2026, read together with the DMMU Act Number 13 of 2010, which mandates the institution to coordinate disaster management and formulate preparedness strategies and action plans.

He has since called on government institutions, the United Nations system, cooperating partners, humanitarian organisations, faith-based organisations, civil society, the private sector, traditional leaders, local authorities and communities to work together in implementing the plan.

Mr Chipakupaku further urged stakeholders to align their interventions, share information and resources, and strengthen coordination at all levels to avoid duplication of efforts and ensure the efficient use of available resources.

This is contained in a statement issued to ZANIS by Senior Information Education and Communication Officer Mathews Musukwa.