Homeless after floods

At least 300 families have been displaced by floods in Chiredzi district as heavy rains continue
to fall.

The flooded Runde and Mutirikwi rivers have burst their banks, submerging houses on their banks and leaving hundreds of residents
without shelter.

The situation worsened this week with the Masvingo civil protection
Unit, which is reponsible for assisting victims of national disasters, begging for help to assist the affected people.

Some families have been moved to higher ground.
Some of the displaced families had their food reserves and clothing destroyed by the heavy rains.

Masvingo provincial governor who also comes from Chiredzi this week
confirmed the development adding that the government had moved
in to assist the victims.

“We have about 300 families whose settlements are currently affected and the government will do all it can to assist those affected,” said
Maluleke.

The flood victims need clean water, food and clothing in addition to
temporary shelter.

“We have been provided with shelter but our problems are still far
from over,” said Urayai Musengi, one of the victims.
“We need food and clothing as well as clean drinking water until the
floods have subsided.”

New farmers in the lowveld have started giving donations of food and clothing. Weather experts have warned of heavy rains in most parts of the
country until the end of the month.

The national civil protection Unit has advised people in low lying
areas to move to higher ground.