Online Reporter
Zimpapers Reporter
The Binga District Civil Protection and Disaster Risk Reduction Committee, working alongside the Department of Social Development and the Food Deficit Mitigation Strategy (FDMS), has moved quickly to stabilise the situation following floods and landslides that struck Tinde Ward 18, leaving eight families stranded and in urgent need of assistance.
Binga District Development Coordinator Mr Land Kabome said Government officials who were already on the ground would begin evacuations today, relocating affected families to Syabuzuba while providing immediate relief. He said the coordinated response underscored Government’s preparedness in dealing with climate-related disasters in remote communities.
“There has so far been overwhelming support from Government departments, with the Zimbabwe National Army, Zimbabwe Republic Police , Zimbabwe Prison and Corrective Service and the entire JOC providing a consignment of foodstuffs for the affected families,” said Mr Kabome. “The Disaster Reduction Committee has hit the ground running. We have agreed that we prioritise Tinde Ward 18 under the FDMS initiative, a programme approved by Cabinet. We have commenced registration of targeted beneficiaries so that we ensure speedy allocation of the month’s food cycle as already approved.”
Mr Kabome added that civil servants in the district had also mobilised resources to complement the official response. “I am also grateful to our civil servants who have made donations towards the good cause,” he said, while inviting well-wishers and development partners to extend support to the displaced families as assessments continue.
The disaster occurred in the early hours of January 21, 2026, when heavy rains triggered flash floods and landslides, leaving a trail of destruction across the ward. Several houses collapsed, crop fields were submerged and standing crops washed away, severely undermining household food security. Families also lost personal documents, while schoolchildren were left without textbooks and learning materials.
Among the most distressing cases is that of 83-year-old widow Evelyn Shoko, who is responsible for caring for her elderly mother. Officials say the household is in a critical condition and has been prioritised for evacuation and relief assistance.
Preliminary assessments show that the flooding was caused by the convergence of four rivers — Tinde, Manzasiya, Kenyanga and Mudila — downstream of the settlements, exerting excessive hydraulic pressure that led to river overtopping and overflow into homesteads.
Most affected households were reportedly awakened from sleep as floodwaters surged into their homes, with water levels rising above knee height inside residential structures, forcing families to flee to higher ground.
Authorities say monitoring remains ongoing in flood-prone areas, while humanitarian partners, corporate entities and members of the public have been urged to channel donations through district structures to support recovery efforts and help affected families rebuild their lives.
