Torrential rains have caused havoc across much of
the country, leaving thousands of villagers in low-lying areas homeless
after floods destroyed their homes.
The incessant rains over the past four weeks have
destroyed crops and damaged roads and bridges. The worst affected
areas are in Muzarabani district in the north and the Lowveld area
in the southeast. At least twelve people have died so far while
thousands more have been forced to abandon their homes. Many are
still unable to return.
In the Southeast rivers, including the mighty Save,
have burst their banks and floodwaters have submerged thousands
of hectares of maize fields and destroyed hundreds of houses.
In Chipinge there are reports that most of the livestock
has been swept away by swollen rivers, according to MDC spokesman
for Manicaland province Pishai Muchauraya. He said flood defences
erected by villagers four years ago following similar floods, have
collapsed allowing water to flood through into their homes.
'We visited areas in Gumira, Masimbe, Maronga, Chibuwe
and some of them are quite close to the Save river. Most rivers
that flow into the Save have also breached their banks and water
is everywhere. We estimate that about 400 families from this area
have been left homeless.
Getting assistance to the flood victims has been
a nightmare after several roads and bridges were washed away. Muchauraya
said because of the country's limited resources, little could be
done for most victims until the rain stops.
While government has issued half-hearted appeals
for assistance, Muchauraya told us the situation was becoming desperate
for most of the victims who have gone for days without fresh drinking
water, food or shelter.
'While it is not surprising that the government
has not asked for international help, the grim situation on the
ground demands an international aid flow. I think with the elections
just around the corner, I suspect the government would be reluctant
to let aid agencies flood the country because they see them as enemies
working against them,' Muchauraya said.
