In an exclusive interview, Ministry of Health and Child Welfare Director of Epidemiology and Disease Control, Portia Manangazira, said the floods were the worst in the region since independence in 1980.
“Before that a similar flood was last recorded in 1921,” she said, adding that the most affected areas were Chikwarakwara along the Limpopo River.
“Rivers like Shashane and Tuli that should drain into Limpopo River are actually going vice-versa leading to flooding in many Matabeleland South areas since Limpopo is over flowing,” she said.
“At least 35 families were airlifted by the Air Force of Zimbabwe helicopters, and some people drowned while one of our medical personnel had her car washed away at a bridge. She thought the water was going to subside, yet it kept on rising towards her,” added Manangazira.
However, Managazira said diseases associated with floods were on the increase but added that government was already on the ground assisting affected people.
The Meteorological Services Department says this year’s rainfall patterns have been different from previous years.
“The 2013 rainy season seems to have brought a completely new paradigm. Unlike 2012 which ended on a low note with some parts of the country having received little rains as was predicted in the 2012-2013 seasonal forecasts, the story changed completely in 2013,” said the Met Department website.
It bemoaned the lack of seriousness on the part of the public to take heed of warnings, leading to unnecessary loss of lives and property.
Post published in: News