Assessing Disaster Preparedness and Recovery from Tropical Cyclones in Zimbabwe: Insights from Cyclone Ana in Nyanga

Abstract

Tropical cyclones pose increasing risks in Southern Africa, with impacts shaped not only by hazard intensity but also by underlying vulnerabilities and disaster risk management (DRM) capacity. This study examines preparedness, response, and recovery following Cyclone Ana (2022) in Nyanga District, Zimbabwe, drawing on qualitative data from focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and field observations. Findings reveal persistent gaps in community preparedness, early warning communication, and institutional coordination, with DRM systems remaining largely reactive, centralized, and unevenly implemented. Although warning information was widely disseminated, its technical and generalized nature limited local interpretation and did not consistently prompt protective action. Recovery efforts were similarly constrained by short-term funding cycles and uneven targeting, resulting in variable outcomes across communities. At the same time, strong local capacity for collective action was evident, with communities mobilizing indigenous knowledge, social networks, and mutual support to address immediate needs. Building on these findings, the article positions Cyclone Ana as a baseline for assessing subsequent reforms, including the introduction of impact-based forecasting, anticipatory action frameworks, and strengthened contingency planning. While these developments represent important progress, significant challenges remain in operationalizing them at the local level. The study identifies a critical implementation gap between policy commitments and practice, underscoring the need to better align legislative reform, financing mechanisms, and institutional capacity with community-centered approaches. By linking empirical insights to broader debates on disaster risk governance, the article contributes to understanding how DRM systems can transition from reactive response toward more adaptive, inclusive, and resilience-oriented pathways.

Keywords

Community-based disaster risk management / Disaster risk management / Early warning systems / Tropical cyclones / Zimbabwe

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