Floods wash away two bridges

Villagers in Chipinda, Zaka North, have been cut off from Masvingo City after floods swept away two bridges along the Chiredzi River.

The Chipinda and Mutakaya Bridges were completely destroyed after two small dams at Riverton Farm were breached due to heavy rains across the province. Riverton Farm is located in Chipinda, approximately 65 km east of Masvingo City.

Masvingo provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa, said the floods also destroyed crops along the riverbanks.

"A full assessment of the scale of the damage is ongoing, but we are thankful that there were no reported human fatalities, injuries, or damage to homesteads in the Chipinda area," Inspector Dhewa said.

The two small dams at Riverton Farm began overflowing on Monday following heavy rainfall. The force of the water caused the dams to breach, leading to significant flooding downstream and the destruction of critical infrastructure.

Authorities are monitoring the situation and assessing the necessary repairs to restore access between Chipinda and Masvingo City.