10 families marooned
Saturday, March 06, 2010
Bindura Bureau
Flash floods swept across Mbire District on Tuesday leaving about 10 families marooned.
Though details were still sketchy at the time of writing, it is understood that more families have been affected.
Mashonaland Central Civil Protection Unit chairman Mr Josphat Jaji said the provincial leadership had dispatched a team to assess the damage and mobilise assistance.
“We have had floods in Kanyemba in Mbire District near Zimbabwe’s border post with Mozambique and Zambia.
“About 10 families were affected though we believe the figure could be higher. Three of the affected families were trapped in some trees before they were rescued,” he said.
Mr Jaji, who is also the provincial administrator for Mashonaland Central, said the CPU received reports of more floods that could hit areas such as Chidodo in the same district. “We have been told that water levels will
continue rising prompting fears of floods in Chidodo and surrounding areas,” he said.
Mr Jaji indicated floods could worsen when the floodgates at Kariba Dam are opened on March 15.
“There is a risk of throwbacks from Musengezi River that feeds into the Zambezi River and this may cause more floods,” he said.
Mashonaland Central Governor and Resident Minister Advocate Martin Dinha said they had established a provincial command centre. He said the centre would receive donations from organisations and individuals willing to assist affected families. Adv Dinha said well-wishers could visit his office or call on 0271-6262/7431 or 0912 240 357.
“The affected families need food, tents, freshwater and drugs for curing or preventing waterborne diseases,” he said.
He said they had identified a safe place in Mahuwe for affected families.