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Boy drowns in Tsholotsho
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An eight-year-old boy from Nhlangano Village, Tsholotsho District, in Matabeleland North Province, tragically drowned while attempting to cross a flooded Godzo Stream near the Jahe area.
The incident occurred under Chief Magama when the boy, playing with other children, was swept away by strong currents. His body was recovered days later in the Gwayi River following an extensive search involving villagers and the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) sub-aqua unit.
Godzo Stream, which feeds into the Gwayi River, had become dangerously swollen due to heavy rainfall in the region.
Community and Authorities React
Tsholotsho District Civil Protection Unit (CPU) chairperson, Mr. Aaron Gono, confirmed the incident and emphasized the need for vigilance near water bodies during the rainy season.
"The incident happened in Nhlangano Village under Chief Magama. A male juvenile was playing with other children, and due to heavy rains, Godzo Stream was flooded. He was swept away," Mr. Gono said.
The other children, initially panicked and confused, only reported the boy's disappearance the following day when his absence was noticed. Villagers alerted the police, and a search party was promptly mobilized.
The combined efforts of local villagers and the ZRP sub-aqua unit resulted in the boy's body being retrieved downstream in the Gwayi River.
Mr. Gono commended the community's disaster preparedness initiatives but reiterated the importance of caution.
"This is an unfortunate incident, but we strongly believe our local disaster risk reduction structures have been effective in disseminating information. We encourage people not to attempt crossing flooded rivers or streams, especially at night, as this increases the risk of being swept away," he said.
He also highlighted additional risks posed by siltation, muddy conditions, and slippery bridges during the rainy season.
Flood-Prone Tsholotsho on Alert
Tsholotsho, one of Zimbabwe's districts most prone to flooding, has been experiencing heavy rains since December. The Meteorological Services Department (MSD) recently issued warnings of potential flooding across the country.
In the past, severe flooding in areas like Sipepa displaced hundreds of families and caused widespread destruction. The Government responded by relocating affected communities to safer ground and constructing modern housing.
The CPU has activated local disaster response structures to address incidents during the ongoing
The incident occurred under Chief Magama when the boy, playing with other children, was swept away by strong currents. His body was recovered days later in the Gwayi River following an extensive search involving villagers and the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) sub-aqua unit.
Godzo Stream, which feeds into the Gwayi River, had become dangerously swollen due to heavy rainfall in the region.
Community and Authorities React
Tsholotsho District Civil Protection Unit (CPU) chairperson, Mr. Aaron Gono, confirmed the incident and emphasized the need for vigilance near water bodies during the rainy season.
"The incident happened in Nhlangano Village under Chief Magama. A male juvenile was playing with other children, and due to heavy rains, Godzo Stream was flooded. He was swept away," Mr. Gono said.
The other children, initially panicked and confused, only reported the boy's disappearance the following day when his absence was noticed. Villagers alerted the police, and a search party was promptly mobilized.
The combined efforts of local villagers and the ZRP sub-aqua unit resulted in the boy's body being retrieved downstream in the Gwayi River.
Mr. Gono commended the community's disaster preparedness initiatives but reiterated the importance of caution.
"This is an unfortunate incident, but we strongly believe our local disaster risk reduction structures have been effective in disseminating information. We encourage people not to attempt crossing flooded rivers or streams, especially at night, as this increases the risk of being swept away," he said.
He also highlighted additional risks posed by siltation, muddy conditions, and slippery bridges during the rainy season.
Flood-Prone Tsholotsho on Alert
Tsholotsho, one of Zimbabwe's districts most prone to flooding, has been experiencing heavy rains since December. The Meteorological Services Department (MSD) recently issued warnings of potential flooding across the country.
In the past, severe flooding in areas like Sipepa displaced hundreds of families and caused widespread destruction. The Government responded by relocating affected communities to safer ground and constructing modern housing.
The CPU has activated local disaster response structures to address incidents during the ongoing
Source - The Chronicle
