The ManicaPost
Luthando Mapepa Post Correspondent
CHIPINGE residents are counting losses of the devastating cyclone Idai that killed more than 100 people and displacing thousands in Chimanimani and Chipinge
A survey carried by The Manica Post after the rains revealed that many villagers had been left homeless, while livestock and other valuables were washed away by the flash floods.
Those interviewed chronicled the gory and unusual experience.
“We saw dark clouds hanging in the skies and light showers began on Thursday night and the real storm started the next day. Heavy rain drops pounded for the next three days and it was scary. Strong winds rattled everything. I went outside the house to check on what was happening but I was shocked to see an avocado tree uprooted. We did not sleep that night for we feared for our lives,’’ said Mr Justice Mbuzana of Chipinge medium-density suburb.
The situation was worse for villagers in Mt Selinda, Clearwater, Copa, and Chisumbanje whose houses gave in to the harsh weather phenomenon.
Headman Chivhunze said the experience traumatised many villagers in Chipinge and Chimanimani.
“My jurisdiction overlaps into Chimanimani and what we experienced is shocking. We don’t wish to see it in our life time again. The community is scared and worried that the storm is not over. At my homestead over 50 families have sought refuge thanks to government and well wishers who speedily reacted after hearing the news.
“Villagers still fear to sleep in their huts because they don’t know what tomorrow might bring. We have lost many people some are still missing. Some bodies were retrieved some kilometres away after being washed away by the flooded rivers. We are appealing for more aid,” he said.
Another villager Mr Tsanangurai Masukume (73) from Tuzuka under Chief Musikavanhu said:
“The storm reached Tuzuka communal lands on Friday night at around 8pm. I was asleep with my wife in our three-roomed house. By midnight our house began to leak and the roof was blown off. We then sought refuge at our neighbour who quickly housed us into his kitchen. In no time the same kitchen collapsed and I got injured in the process.”
Chipinge district education officer Mr Richard Gabaza said the cyclone brought about untold suffering to the community.
“Pupils were traumatised by this cyclone. Many schools in the district are still counting loses,” he said.
Revellers who were merrymaking on Friday night were caught unawares.
“Most patrons were trapped in the night clubs. They failed to go home as rain poured with high intensity damaging roads,” said a pub owner who requested anonymity.
