Online Reporter
Lebohang Dube
FLASH floods caused by heavy rains wreaked havoc in Phakama suburb, Gwanda, Matabeleland South Province, destroying homes and leaving residents scrambling to save their belongings on Wednesday.
In one of the most harrowing scenes, a woman clad in dark blue clothes called the fire brigade to rescue her children as water surged into her home. “All my furniture and electronics are gone,” she said, visibly shaken.
“The wall just fell down, and the water rushed in,” another resident recounted. “It came into my house and destroyed everything—my TV, fridge, and furniture.”
The community has rallied to help affected families, providing support and relief as residents try to salvage what remains of their possessions. Authorities have urged caution during heavy rains and promised to assess the damage to provide further assistance.
The flooding serves as a stark reminder of the destructive power of sudden downpours and the urgent need for disaster preparedness in vulnerable communities.
derick.khumalo