Heavy rains leave 21 families marooned in Binga

Staff Writer

LOCAL Government Ministry reports that heavy rains which struck Binga, in Zimbabwe’s Matabeleland North province have left 21 families marooned after massive destruction of their shelter and livestock among other damaged property.

The ministry’s said the cause of the floods was the geographical nature of the four of the rivers positions.

“Binga District in Matabeleland North under chief under Chief Sinakoma experienced which resulted in some life threatening floods. The flooded areas is where five rivers meet Simbwambwa ,Simakande ,Namapande and Manyengwa. Due to heavy backlash all the 21 families in the flood plains are marooned and another 11 are being assisted to reach safe zones,” said the statement.

The statement said rapid assessment by the civil protection committee indicates that there could be more people affected considering the general settlement patterns in Binga District.

“As an immediate intervention ,the Air Force of Zimbabwe being an effective member of the Emergency Services sub-committee has mobilised two helicopters to assist the affected families.The sub aqua unit stationed at Fairbridge in Bulawayo were also mobilised,” the  statement said.

The district civil protection committee has been directed to intensify their assessments until they ascertain the number of people affected and those in need of assistance.

Currently, the Civil Protection department is dispatching 100 tents and blankets to Binga while in the short term, there will be quick evacuation of the affected families to areas of safety.

Mobilisation of non- food and food items considering the level of destruction of their pole and dagga houses.

Possible reconstruction of the houses is under way.