One person died while several were injured when heavy rains experienced recently swept across the Matabeleland and Midlands Provinces. Properties including 131 households, 17 schools2, health facilities and other public facilities were severely damaged.
Heavy rains, coupled with thunderstorms unexpectedly ravaged through Matabeleland and Midlands Provinces leaving authorities and families counting losses. Kwekwe district recorded the highest number with 54 affected families as well as health facilities and other public infrastructure. Other affected districts include Gokwe North, Gokwe South, Redcliff and Chirumhanzu which all recorded cases ranging from destroyed households, flooded households, and blown off classroom blocks and houses among others.
Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister, Cde Owen Ncube has since activated the provincial Civil Protection Unit to mobilize resources to assist families and public institutions that were affected by the storm. “I encourage all districts to start mobilizing emergency relief for the affected families. We are a responsive government and, in this regard, short term medical support like food, shelter, evacuation centers, psychological and medical support must be provided urgently,” he said. He also urged private players to support the cause.
After visiting some of the affected places in Kwekwe and Redcliff, Minister Ncube said no place and no one should be left behind in terms of getting assistance. He urged local authorities to take note of the need to build climate resilient structures and adhere to building standards as poor workmanship was brought also attributed to the damage.
“In the long term, local authorities should ensure compliance to building standards. Climate change is real and we need to be proactive as a province by building more resilient structures,” he said.
Zimbabwe has not been spared by the adverse effects of climate change which include unpredictable weather patterns such as droughts, floods and storms.
