Heavy rains have caused life-threatening floods in Binga District; Acting Secretary for Local Government and Public Works.
Flooding in the Nsungwale Area under Chief Sinakoma, took place where four rivers namely Sibwambwa, Sikanda, Namapande and Manyenyengwa meet.
“Due to the heavy backlash, all the 21 families in the flood plain are marrooned and 11 others are being assisted to reach safer zones,” the Secretary says.
“The Rapid Assessment by the District Civil Protection Committee indicates that there could be more people affected considering the general settlements patterns in Binga.”
Government has already sent security forces to rescue affected people.
“As an immediate intervention; the Airforce of Zimbabwe, being an active member of the Emergency Services Sub-committee has mobilised two helicopters to assist the affected families,” the secretary says.
“The Sub-Aqua Unit stationed at Fairbridge in Bulawayo were also mobilised.”
“The District Civil Protection Committee was directed to intensify their assessments until they ascertain the actual number of people affected and those in need of assistance. The Civil Protection Department is dispatching 100 tents and blankets to Binga.”
According to unconfirmed reports, floods survivors had to travel for 7 kilometres to reach the nearest area to call for help.
The villagers had to reportedly stay in trees for 13 hours to survive the floods
Government short term measures in the flooded areas are mobilisation of non-food and food items considering the level of destruction to shelter and stored food.
