Heavy rains leave trail of destruction in Mberengwa

 

collapsed due to the strong storm.
Cde Gumbo said most roads were left impassable and people were having difficulties crossing rivers.

“So far only 95 families have been identified and there are several others in Mukai village. It is difficult for the team to move around the village because of the destruction.”
Civil Protection Unit national director Mr Madzudzo Pawadyira said the CPU was on the ground assisting the affected families.

He said 65 tents had been mobilised as temporary shelter for the affected families in Mberengwa though an additional 30 were still required.
Mr Pawadyira said about 4,7 tonnes of food, 200 kilograms of beans and 200 litres of cooking oil were needed to feed the affected families for the next month.
“We are also in the process of fuelling vehicles needed to carry out the exercise and we  intend to facilitate assistance towards the bereaved families,” he said.

The affected families would receive US$100 apiece.
Mr Pawadyira said the storms also destroyed 12 buildings in Gwanda including mining houses.
“Our fear is one of water and sanitation related problems as a result of poor sanitation and clean water.
“The United Nations Children’s Education Fund is however assisting us with that,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Meteorological Services Department acting deputy director operations Mr Reynold Ndoro said notable rainfall was recorded in Beitbridge 81mm, West Nicholson 49mm, Kezi 28mm and Chiredzi 27mm.

Mr Ndoro said the heavy rains were most active in Matabeleland South and Masvingo since Wednesday.

He said Matabeleland South, Masvingo, Bulawayo and South of Manicaland will today be cloudy with morning drizzle in the morning which will clear as the day progresses.
Harare, Mashonaland West and Matabeleland North will experience afternoon thunderstorms.

“On Saturday, Masvingo, Bulawayo, South of Manicaland and Matabeleland South will predominantly be sunny while Harare and Mashonaland provinces will continue experiencing thunderstorms until Monday next week.”

Mr Ndoro advised the public to avoid crossing flooded rivers or bridges and motorists to drive carefully on roads that are already damaged by incessant rains.