24 killed in incidents linked to rainy season

Precious Manomano

Herald Reporter

THE recent rains have led to the loss of 24 lives and affected 884 households across the country since the onset of the rainy season in October last year.

In the aftermath of the destruction Government has mobilised resources to assist those affected, dispatching over 600 tents and essential food supplies to victims in urgent need.

Department of Civil Protection, acting deputy director, Mrs Veronica Charumbira, Bare, said they are closely working with partners to stay on top of the situation.

 “We are collaborating closely with the Meteorological Services Department to ensure the safety of the people. We are identifying evacuation shelters across the country and have dispatched significant quantities of grain, tinned foods, hygienic kits, and rice to those in need,” she said.

Relief efforts are focused on the most vulnerable areas, which include Gwanda, Mvuma Cowdray Park in Bulawayo, Bindura, Insiza, Beitbridge, Gokwe, and Mberengwa.

The impact of the rains has been devastating, particularly in the Midlands Province.

 Mberengwa District experienced severe damage on January 15, when a ferocious storm ripped off roofing materials at Masase High School, leaving damage estimated at US$6 475.

On January 11, a storm hit Muponjane Primary School, also in Mberengwa, severely damaging property. Nearly US$8,120 is needed to restore four classrooms and three squat-hole toilets.

Kwekwe was also hit hard, with continuous rains affecting six households and three schools, especially in Wards 20, 21, and 24.

Two miners were trapped underground in Ward 21, resulting in one fatality.

In Manicaland Province, the situation was equally dire, with Mutare District recording drownings caused by heavy downpours on January 17.

A 12-year-old girl was swept away while attempting to cross a flooded river, and on the same day, a three-year-old boy drowned in a small pool while swimming with friends.

In Mashonaland Central’s Mbire District, flooding from heavy rains marooned several families, resulting in four drownings. However, community members successfully rescued an elderly couple stranded at their home.

 The situation in Masvingo Province is equally worrying.

In Bikita District, lightning struck and killed an elderly woman, while some cattle were also affected.

On January 13, two middle-aged men were marooned along Runde River in Chiredzi District, but swift action from the District Civil Protection Committee ensured their rescue.

In Bulawayo, flash floods on January 7 affected at least 85 houses in Cowdray Park, prompting the Provincial Civil Protection Committee to conduct impact assessments and deliver essential relief items.

Officials reported significant damage to homes and household property, with relief efforts underway to support those affected.

As the Government continues to respond to the natural disaster, the City of Bulawayo is tasked with addressing drainage issues and finding alternative land for 18 flood victims in Cowdray Park.

This relocation aims to pave the way for the construction of a 3km drainage system to provide a long-term solution to the recurring flash floods.

In these challenging times, the resilience of communities is being tested.

The Meteorological Services Department (MSD) projects normal to above-normal rains will persist until March.

The low-pressure system in the Mozambique Channel continued to give notable falls over the northeastern areas of Zimbabwe, particularly in the Mashonaland and Manicaland provinces. Significant rainfall amounts include: 57 mm in Chipinge, 47 mm in Karoi, 34 mm in Henderson, 23 mm in Chiredzi, 23 mm in Mutoko and 20 mm in Chisengu.

The low-pressure system is expected to move southwards in the channel, resulting in reduced rainfall and increased dryness across the country.

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