Samuel Kadungure
News Editor
HEAVY rains pounding Manicaland are having a devastating impact on people, resulting in the tragic loss of 10 lives, including two schoolchildren who drowned on Monday as they attempted to cross a flooded river in Chimanimani.
The rain has been relentless, with some areas receiving over 141 millimeters of precipitation, putting a strain on the province’s infrastructure and exacerbating the risk of flooding in low-lying areas.
The rains left a trail of destruction across the province; claiming lives, while also injuring several others, and destroying schools, poorly built homesteads, properties, and roads in the process.
The downpours have also heightened concerns about potential flooding in low-lying areas of Chipinge, Chimanimani and Nyanga.
On Monday, two infant learners — Anenyasha Chipango (five) and Moreblessing Washata (six) — were swept away while trying to cross the flooded Umvumvumvu River.
The victims were learners at Tinashe Early Childhood Development Centre, a satellite of Matendeudze Primary in Chimanimani.
Department of Civil Protection Manicaland provincial chairman, Mr John Misi, on Wednesday confirmed the incident, and urged people, especially schoolchildren, to avoid crossing flooded rivers.
He also encouraged parents to take turns to escort infants to and from school to avert unnecessary loss of life.
“On January 27, at approximately 2:30pm, Anenyasha and Moreblessing were on their way home from school with other learners when they attempted to cross the flooded Umvumvumvu River. Unfortunately, they were swept away. Other learners alerted villagers, who retrieved Anenyasha’s body about 5km away, while Moreblessing’s body remains missing,” he said.
The tragedy follows two separate incidents in Mutare, where two minor learners tragically drowned after a series of heavy downpours pounded the city a fortnight ago.
In the first incident, Devon Mvuduma (12), a Grade Six learner at 3 Brigade Primary School, slipped, and was swept away while walking home from school on a Thursday afternoon.
Her body was retrieved near a footbridge between Sakubva and Chikanga after a combined search effort by the police and army lasting over three hours.
The second victim, Kelvin Dhanisa Katsande (11) of Chikanga, drowned while collecting rabbit feed with three friends along a gulley near Aerodrome Road.
Mr Misi said the heavy rainfall received in Manicaland is reflective of a wider trend of increased rainfall variability and extreme weather events in the province.
Mr Misi added that 10 people have died since the onset of the current wet spell, adding that people in low lying areas in Chipinge, Chimanimani and Nyanga should remain vigilant, and take proactive measures to protect their properties from storms characteristic of the rainy season.
“A total of 48 administrative wards and 73 villages have been impacted by the current wet spell, affecting 572 households and 2 711 people. Unfortunately, this has resulted in 10 deaths and 27 injuries throughout the province. The adverse weather conditions have also caused destruction to homesteads, schools, institutions, roads, power lines and crop fields, highlighting the need for ongoing support for those affected,” said Mr Misi.
Mr Misi also emphasised the importance of building resilient infrastructure that can withstand the harsh weather conditions typical of the province to minimise damage and loss, ensuring safer and more secure environment for all.
He said the districts of Buhera, Chimanimani, Chipinge, Makoni, Mutasa, Mutare, and Nyanga have all been impacted, with 150, 20, 81, 93, 38, 89, and 101 households affected, respectively.
“Our people should prioritise building durable houses that can withstand adverse weather conditions. Unfortunately, many houses, such as midhindwa or pole and dagga, were destroyed due to poor construction.
“There is a pressing need for communities to collaborate closely with rural district councils when allocating settlement areas to avoid the construction of properties in hazardous locations such as waterways, vleis, pastures and mountains, which often create challenges for the Government,” said Mr Misi, adding that motorists using the Skyline Route in Chimanimani are advised to exercise extreme caution due to the risk of rockfalls and landslides in the area.
Mr Misi reiterated the ‘Build Right First’ concept which emphasises the importance of constructing buildings, homes and infrastructure with durability and resilience in mind from the outset.
This approach prioritises using quality, weather-resistant materials, implementing robust building designs, and ensuring adherence to building codes and standards.
“By adopting the ‘Build Right First’ concept, communities can reduce the risk of damage from natural disasters, minimise costly repairs and reconstruction, while enhancing safety and well-being of occupants. This proactive approach can help mitigate the devastating impacts of adverse weather conditions, as seen in Manicaland.
“The people of Manicaland must consider insurance for their properties as a prudent step in managing risk and protecting themselves against unforeseen events, such as natural disasters. Insurance can provide financial relief and support in the event of damage or loss, helping to mitigate financial burdens, facilitate recovery and rebuilding and ensure business continuity. By investing in property insurance, individuals and businesses can safeguard their assets and reduce the risk of significant financial losses,” said Mr Misi.
