The ManicaPost
Moffat Mungazi
Post Correspondent
OVER the past weeks, many media outlets have carried stories on ill-fated mishaps or tragic encounters involving people with rain-related disasters or water bodies.
“Corpse smuggled through flooded river” screamed the headline — whose story made some interesting reading — on the front page of this publication’s recent edition.
About a dozen men were reported to have ferried the body of a man who had died in neighbouring Mozambique on an improvised canoe across the flooded Gairezi River, risking life and limb in the process.
Not only are the said persons in trouble with the law for repatriating a dead body, their supposed bravado has been described as misplaced — if not outright absurd — by some sections of society.
During the current rain season, most parts of the country have been receiving torrential downpours.
The continuous rainstorms have raised the risk of flooding in low-lying areas. And with the ground oversaturated, the rain water instantaneously overflows and increases the possibility of flash flooding.
This has resulted in awareness campaigns being carried out through mainstream media and at local leadership level to publicise the potential dangers of the storms.
“The observations made in the current season are that heavy storms are getting more frequent. Due to the significant rains that were recorded across most parts of the country during the first half of the season (October-December), it is important to be on the lookout for flood-related disasters during the second half (January-March).
“Heavy storms, flash floods, flooding and cyclones cannot be ruled out as the season progresses,” said the Metrological Service Department in a recent statement as they warned that tropical cyclones and serious floods remain a lingering threat during the second half of the rainy season.
The weather forecaster had projected normal to above normal rainfall in the 2020-21 rainy season owing to the La Nina climate pattern in the Pacific Ocean, with improved rains expected across the Sadc region.
The relentless torrents which pounded Manicaland Province recently have left a trail of destruction, with people, livestock and infrastructure bearing the full brunt.
After making a landfall in Zimbabwe, tropical storms Chalane and Eloise hit some areas in Chipinge and Chimanimani districts.
Flash floods have resulted in mudslides and landslides in some areas, as well as power supply disruptions.
The net effect of this destruction is that thousands were affected after being displaced when their homes were destroyed.
In worst cases, human lives were lost.
Stock and poultry were also washed away.
Roads have been left impassable.
Those who have dared drive across flooded rivers have been swept away.
Testing out floods during fishing, swimming and laundry expeditions have sometimes turned tragic.
Attempting to salvage property and livestock in floods has also been fatal.
So widespread has been the catastrophe that a motorist recently died when his car fell into a section that had caved in along the Skyline-Chimanimani Road owing to the strain of heavy rains received in the area.
With the wet spell seeing at least 10 dams in Manicaland (Marowanyati, Zimunya, Roswa, Bangazaan, Nerutenga, Matezva, Myamaropa, Mwarazi, Small Bridge and Odzani) reaching full capacity and spilling, communities in the surrounding areas need to be on high alert of possible flooding.
In light of this development, Manicaland provincial police spokesperson Inspector Luxson Chananda has cautioned the public to be vigilant.
“People need to be more cautious and take steps to protect themselves and their loved ones. We have noted with concern cases of people drowning as they attempt to cross flooded rivers by holding onto the tails of cattle. Some ride on logs or makeshift canoes.
“Usually victims misjudge the water’s depth and strength. Deep and fast-flowing water is dangerous. We urge people to be extra cautious,” said Inspector Chananda.
Government remains alive to the probable rain-induced calamities and, through a structured and coordinated approach, has activated its disaster management systems to continuously monitor the situation.
At the height of the recent tropical cyclones, the Civil Protection Unit dispatched rescue mission teams to assist those who were in need of humanitarian aid.
Important tips to remember
Desist from crossing flooded rivers.
Avoid doing laundry, bathing or swimming in the rivers.
Ensure that children do not visit or go in the vicinity of rivers without adult supervision.
Ensure that livestock, especially cattle, are penned and not used to facilitate river crossing
Park well away from the edge of the river, preferably on higher ground.
Never park and wait near the junction of two or more rivers as there is a danger of being swept away in case the rivers backflow.
Never sleep close to a river while waiting to cross it, rather drive off and seek a safe place to sleep.
Watch out for rising water levels and or surges/gushes of fast-flowing water.
Periodically check for warning messages and updates on radio or SMS.
Be aware of areas where water has receded. Roadways may have weakened and could collapse.
Avoid fallen power lines and muddy waters.
Always be ready to evacuate.
If instructed, turn off utilities at main switches and unplug appliances — do not touch electrical equipment when wet.
Possess a first-aid kit.
Have flashlights, spare batteries, bottled water, a fully charged power bank and ready to eat food supply.
Always ensure that water abstraction equipment along the rivers is immediately evacuated and appropriately protected.
