adminPatrick Chitumba Victoria Falls Reporter
MAJOR road infrastructure in Hwange District was damaged, a homestead swept away while seven cattle were struck by lightning when heavy rains pounded the area on Friday.A homestead was swept away in St Mary’s, while seven cattle were killed by lightning in Nisipa village under Chief Mvutu.
Several roads in Chinotimba Township in Victoria Falls were severely damaged forcing the municipality to temporarily close 7th Street, which has become impassable.
Chief Mvutu of Jambezi confirmed that three villagers had lost their cattle.
“Three villagers lost their cattle in different places when they were struck by lightning. We are grateful to Lion Encounter Company from Victoria Falls, which bought four of the seven dead cattle from the villagers to feed their lions. Otherwise the villagers would have run a loss,” he said.
Chief Mvutu said some gravel roads in his area were no longer passable. Hwange district administrator, Tapera Mugoriya, said a marooned family under Chief Nekatambe had to be rescued by the police and members of the Civic Protection Unit (CPU).
Mugoriya, who chairs the local CPU, however said the family’s homestead which was on the island had been washed away with all the property.
“This homestead was constructed on this island and when the rains persisted last week the water levels in Lukosi River rose and the family was marooned. The family has however been rescued and is safe,” he said.
Mugoriya said urged communities to be on alert in the event of flooding saying the district’s civil protection unit was ready to assist affected people following warnings of flooding by the Meteorological Services Department.
He said: “This time of the year, rivers are flooding and the schools are opening soon. We urge parents and guardians to consider the safety of their children and please not let them cross rivers on their own,” he said.
Online Reporter