Rains kill 17, displace families

Sunday, 16 February 2014 00:00 View Comments Faith MhanduThe Civil Protection Unit (CPU) says at least 17 people have died countrywide due to rainfall-related incidents since December last year.CPU deputy director Ms Sibusisiwe Ndlovu said Mashonaland Central tops the list, having recorded six deaths during the period under review.




“Around 17 people have died due to rainfall-related incidents since December last year with Mashonaland Central recording the highest number of deaths,” she said.


 


“Midlands had five deaths, Masvingo one and Mashonaland West five.”Ms Ndlovu added that of the 17 people, eight drowned while three were struck by lightning.


 


The remainder died in road accidents that were blamed on rainfall. “In Mashonaland Central’s Centenary area, two toddlers died in a river in Chadereka; in Mbire district a woman and two babies died after a canoe they were in capsized while in Masvingo one person died while attempting to cross Mukosi River. There were also road accidents which were linked to the rainfall incidents,” she said.


 


Ms Ndlovu added that floods continue to displace families across the country with the major case being that of people who have been affected in Masvingo.


 


“We have over 120 families that are in need of assistance in Matabeleland North province.“In Tsholotsho district 124 households have been affected by excessive moisture. Most houses have been crushed and soaked and there is an urgent requirement for food, shelter, blankets, water buckets, clothing, tents and medication.


 


“Around 400 people are yet to be evacuated while a further 4 000 families may also need to be evacuated as water levels in Tokwe-Mukosi dam are rising rapidly and threatening surrounding communities,” she said.


 


Police and the army have moved in to assist with the evacuation of families within the basin. Last week, over 100 tonnes of maize, blankets and tents were donated by several organisations to the affected families.

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