Sundaymail Editor
NO sooner had a group of guzzlers finished crossing a muddy patch that linked their village with a nearby growth point than it gave in, creating an unnavigable river between.
One villager had his ancestors to thank because he miraculously survived when the span of oxen he was leading and a scotch cart transporting bananas to the market were violently swept away by the raging waters.
The village was cut off and it became impossible to transport the sick to hospital by car, horseback or wheelbarrow.
This is the situation that has been caused by the relentless rains pounding most parts of the country.
While farmers enjoy each time the heavens weep, the same joy is not shared by all and sundry.
Just like fire that can be both a good and bad servant, the rains have a downside, too.
Leaking roofs, for example, can be a nightmare.
Rains make it difficult for people to travel to see their loved ones.
In the United States, which is believed to have some of the most advanced flood warning and communication systems in the world, floods kill 140 people and cause US$6 billion in damage each year.
In lesser developed countries, the effects may be much worse.
Further, nearly a quarter of all car accidents, experts say, occur during bad weather, and most take place when the road is wet.
Some drivers simply do not change their driving habits enough to operate a vehicle safely during the rainy season.
Even wildlife is not spared the effects of bad weather.
For instance, it is believed that excess rain in Great Britain in 2012 prevented butterflies from mating and washed away families of insects, according to the BBC.
Not only does this affect the insect population itself, but it also reduces the population of birds and other creatures that feed on these insects.
Although farmers depend on rain to nourish crops, too much of it can affect production.
Rain floods fields, washing away seeds and precious topsoil.
Wet weather also encourages bacteria and fungus growth, which can further damage crops.
Therefore, unusual amounts of rain affect the total crop yield, as well as the taste and quality of fruits and vegetables.
Gentle reader, while rains are critical for our survival, we need to avoid unnecessary travel and stay indoors when they fall for our own safety.
Inotambika mughetto.
rosenthal.mutakati @zimpapers.co.zw
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter