Heavy rains block helicopter patrol

Civil Protection Unit director Mr Madzudzo Pawadyira (centre), flanked by Mashonaland Central Provincial Administrator Josphat Jaji (left) and zanu-pf Mashonaland Central chairman Cde Dickson Mafios at Centenary Business Centre yesterday after heavy rains foiled their mission to fly to Mbire and Muzarabani districts to assess the damage caused by floods. — (Picture By Tawanda Mudimu)

Petros Zivengwa in Centenary
AN Air Force of Zimbabwe helicopter commissioned to assess the impact of floods in affected areas in Mashonaland Central Province yesterday failed to reach its destinations due to incessant rains and dark clouds that engulfed the area.

The pilot had to land at Centenary Business Centre, where journalists, Civil Protection Unit members and police spent the better part of the day camped.

Journalists later used a truck to assess the impact of the floods in some parts of Muzarabani.

The assessment continues today with the team expected to visit some parts of Mashonaland West and Central.

Floods that occurred at the weekend affected Mbire and Muzarabani in Mashonaland Central and some parts of Mashonaland West among other areas, killing 11 people and leaving hundreds homeless.

In an interview, Civil and Protection Unit (CPU) director Mr Madzudzo Pawadyira said his department was going to engage the Air Force of Zimbabwe to avail more helicopters to be stationed in Muzarabani ahead of heavy rains expected next week.

“Because of the hush weather here (Mashonaland Central) we could not reach the affected areas. However, CPU officers are working tirelessly to rescue the affected families while Zimbabwe Red Cross Society and other non governmental organisations will be working hand in glove to rescue the flood victims,” he said.

“We will continue urging people living in those to desist from building houses on flood prone areas, therefore, endangering their lives. CPU will continue providing the victims with food stuffs and temporary shelter (tents) as efforts to rescue them,” he said.

A visit by The Herald to some parts of Muzarabani revealed that crops were submerged in water while roads and bridges showed signs that they could be damaged if the rains persisted.

Mr Pawadyira said the CPU was working together with Government to relocate the people to safer areas.

“We will make sure that the people are relocated to safe areas and that health facilities are in place,” he said.

Mashonaland Central Provincial Administrator Mr Josphat Jaji, said flood victims needed food and shelter and called for well wishers to assist.