“On April 20, hailstorms destroyed asbestos roofs and broke window panes, including Bango Primary school whose classrooms, teachers’ cottages, shops and our clinic had their roofs damaged,” Chief Bango told The Zimbabwean. “Property worthy thousands of dollars was destroyed.”
The chief said two children sustained minor injuries due to the hailstorms but have since recovered. “Since the incident, only the Zimbabwe Red Cross Society has responded to our call for help. They donated food, tents and blankets. A local businessman donated 50x20kg of mealie -meal for the affected families. The situation is dire as thousands of people are struggling to repair their homes and children are having lessons in the open,” he said.
Chief Bango said the Provincial Governor and Resident Minister Angeline Masuku visited the area and promised to help.
“Governor Masuku and other provincial officials witnessed the disaster and they said they would see how the government could assist us,” he said.
Chief Bango added that the natural disaster followed a prolonged drought.
“Last year we experienced a severe drought and this year my people cultivated their farms in anticipation of good rains but the whole of February it never rained and the crops dried up. I am appealing to both the government and non-governmental organisations to come on board and assist the affected communities as they do not have any food reserves,” said Bango.
According to a government official, at least 2,000 people are in need of help in Mangwe district.
Post published in: News