Cyclone Eloise wreak havoc in Chipinge

AT least three people have died, while a Science laboratory at Mt Selinda High School was damaged as heavy rains accompanied with strong winds continue pounding most parts of Chipinge since Friday evening as Cyclone Eloise spread into the country.

Chipinge District Civil Protection chairperson, Mr William Mashava, confirmed the development and said the committee is monitoring the situation as well as doing awareness campaigns.

Mr Mashava said most of the victims died while trying to cross flooded rivers.

Mt Selinda High School's laboratory block and toilets at Green Valley Primary School toilets were damaged.

There was also a mudslide between Chipinge and Tanganda with boulders blocking the road.

Some dams such as Watershed, Bangazzan and Mutakura were already full with fears that if the rains continue they will spill and cause flooding in surrounding communities.

"Some houses collapsed in wards 14 and 14 and our teams are making frantic efforts to reach the area to assess the situation on the ground.

"We are facing challenges as most of the areas are not yet accessible," said Mr Mashava.

Residents are advised to move to higher and safe grounds.

Mr Mashava said a number of evacuation centres were identified in Chipinge to accommodate all those affected by the rains.

He encouraged those leaving to evacuation centres to carry with them important documents, valuables, food, blankets, medication and clothes.