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.