Incessant rains and strong winds that have hit Manicaland Province, since 14 March to date, especially the Chimanimani and Chipinge districts, have left huge trails of disaster.
Hon Trevor Saruwka, the MDC Spokesperson for Manicaland reported that Chipinge East Member of Parliament, Hon Mateo Mlambo, has reported that more than 40 houses have been destroyed by the cyclone.
The deaths of two young boys trapped by sliding rocks at St Charles Lwamba school in Chimanimani have been confirmed.
In light of the level of devastation in the two adjacent districts of Chipinge and Chimanimani this figure, unfortunately, is expected to rise.
“We have also received reports of bridges that have been swept away in Nedziwe, Gonzoni, Kurwaisimba, Copper and Tanganda among many places.
“In Mutare, the slum dwellings in Federation, Gimboki and Mahalapi area have borne the brunt of the cyclone with incoming reports indicating that more than 50 houses have been razed to the ground. In the city of Mutare tree branches and trees have fallen, blocking roads making passage difficult and dangerous,” Hon Saruwaka said.
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In light of the phenomenon, the MDC encouraged citizens:
1) not to attempt to cross flooded rivers, 2) keep indoors if the structure is on high ground and strong. If not, they must move to stronger structures on higher ground.3) to keep themselves warm and dry4) keep together5) if in a team, to save cellphone batteries by using one phone and switching off the others so that they have communication backup.
It is appealing to the government of Zimbabwe, NGOs, fellow citizens and all other well wishers to mobilise resources and come to the rescue of those affected by the climate change disaster. Help required is in the form of medicines, food, clothing, blankets, tents and evacuation means for those marooned. Building materials for the reconstruction of damaged structures is going to be required in the aftermath of the cyclone.
The ZANU PF Youth League has reportedly activated fundraising and donations to help victims of Cyclone Idai.
“In light of this most unfortunate and disheartening natural disaster, the ZANU PF Youth League as part of it’s civic and national national service agenda calls has already initiated donation of essential supplies commencing with the leadership.
“In addition, some of our Youth League members in Manicaland are currently working with the Civil Protection Unit in Manicaland in the rescue operations. This serves a pertinent clarion call for its membership, affiliate organisations and all progressive citizens both local and in the diaspora to donate towards this cause. The League is mobilising for material donations (Clothes, food, tents, blankets, etc),” said a ZANU PF youth league representative.