Flash floods devastate communities in Chipinge

Villagers in Mutema-Musikavanhu constituency are struggling to recover after flash floods swept through parts of the area this week, leaving widespread destruction of homes, crops and critical infrastructure.

What is usually a season of hope for improved agricultural yields has instead brought hardship, as heavy mid-week downpours caused rivers to burst their banks, unleashing torrents that tore through villages and farmlands. One person, identified as Mutape Tuto Zamuchiya, lost his life after being swept away while attempting to cross a flooded stream in the Zamuchiya area.

"The problem we have come across as a community is quite big because we have been cut off from other parts of the district," said one villager, describing the isolation caused by washed-away roads and bridges.

Residents say the destruction of crops could have long-term consequences for food security in the area.

"Crops were destroyed and this means drought is looming. Foodstuffs, clothes and blankets were washed away, and we need assistance," another villager said. "Above all, we are appealing for a permanent solution to this challenge so that it does not keep recurring."

Beyond immediate humanitarian aid, communities are calling for lasting interventions to address drainage and flood management, including the construction of proper waterways to control water flow during heavy rains.

Ward 23 Councillor for Mutema-Musikavanhu constituency, Councillor Shingai Gapara, said damaged infrastructure was compounding the crisis.

"People are imploring the Government to assist with excavators and dozers to repair roads and establish permanent solutions. Schoolchildren are struggling to attend classes because of damaged roads and flooded bridges. This is also farming season, and inputs cannot reach some areas due to the poor road network," he said.

On Friday, Mutema-Musikavanhu legislator Honourable Angeline Gata conducted an emergency assessment of the worst-affected villages, including Rimbi, Mbeure, Maria and Mwacheta.

"Out of the 21 wards in this constituency, 15 were affected," said Gata. "Roads and crops were destroyed, and in some cases rainwater entered people's homes, damaging property and food supplies. We are on the ground to establish the full extent of the damage. Manyezu Bridge and Mutema Bridge were washed away."

She said the information gathered would be forwarded to President Emmerson Mnangagwa and relevant authorities, adding that immediate relief had already been provided.

"We brought blankets and groceries for the affected families as part of our emergency response," she said.

Although the rains have slightly subsided, communities remain on high alert, with local leaders urging residents in low-lying areas to move to higher ground as more rainfall is forecast in the coming days.

In Manicaland Province, districts such as Chipinge and Chimanimani remain among the worst affected by flash floods and strong winds, a situation authorities say is being exacerbated by climate change.