daniel chigunwe
Precious Manomano
Herald Reporter
AS rains continue to fall across the whole country there are, as usual, some hit by flooding and the Government has activated an emergency response, mobilising over 600 tents and essential food supplies to assist families.
Since the rainy season began late last year, 24 lives have been lost, and 884 households have been affected.
Acting deputy director of the Department of Civil Protection, Mrs Veronica Charumbira Bare, said relief efforts were concentrated in the most vulnerable areas, including Gwanda, Mvuma, Cowdray Park in Bulawayo, Bindura, Insiza, Beitbridge, Gokwe, and Mberengwa.
“We are working 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.”
In the Midlands province, Mberengwa district suffered severe damage on January 15 when a ferocious storm ripped off roofs at Masase High School, leading to an estimated repair cost of US$6 475.
Another school in Mberengwa, Muponjane Primary, was hit by a strong storm on January 11. The storm caused damages, and the estimated rehabilitation cost to restore four classrooms and three squat-hole toilets at the school is US$8 120.
Kwekwe, also in the Midlands, was heavily affected by incessant rains, which impacted six households and three schools, especially in wards 20, 21, and 24.
Tragically, two miners were trapped underground in Ward 21, resulting in one fatality.
In Manicaland province, Mutare district faced heart-wrenching drownings due to heavy downpours on January 17. A 12-year-old girl was swept away while trying 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. Community members successfully rescued an elderly couple stranded at their home.
The situation in Masvingo Province saw in Bikita district, a lightning strike that killed an elderly woman, also affecting local cattle.
On January 13, two middle-aged men were marooned along Runde River in Chiredzi District, but swift action from the district civil protection committee led to their successful rescue.
