Heavy rains leave trail of destruction

Two people died while 95 families in Mberengwa were left homeless after heavy rains associated with strong winds destroyed their homes on Wednesday.

Mberengwa East House of Assembly Member, Joram Gumbo confirmed that two women from Mangena Village under Chief Chizungu died after a house they were sleeping in collapsed due to the strong storm.

Gumbo said most roads were left impassable and people were having difficulties crossing rivers.

"So far only 95 families have been identified and there are several others in Mukai village. It is difficult for the team to move around the village because of the destruction."

Civil Protection Unit national director Mr Madzudzo Pawadyira said the CPU was on the ground assisting the affected families.

He said 65 tents had been mobilised as temporary shelter for the affected families in Mberengwa though an additional 30 were still required.

Mr Pawadyira said about 4,7 tonnes of food, 200 kilograms of beans and 200 litres of cooking oil were needed to feed the affected families for the next month.

"We are also in the process of fuelling vehicles needed to carry out the exercise and we  intend to facilitate assistance towards the bereaved families," he said.

The affected families would receive US$100 apiece.

Mr Pawadyira said the storms also destroyed 12 buildings in Gwanda including mining houses.

"Our fear is one of water and sanitation related problems as a result of poor sanitation and clean water.

"The United Nations Children's Education Fund is however assisting us with that," he said.