Heavy rains, strong winds leave trail of destruction in Gokwe South

 Patrick Chitumba, patrick.chitumba@chronicle.co.zw

ABOUT 90 percent of homesteads in Gukure Village under Chief Nemangwe in Gokwe South’s Sesame Constituency were severely damaged by heavy rains and strong winds that swept through the district last Friday.

The storm has left many villagers in Gokwe South and North districts without shelter and food, intensifying concerns as heavy downpours are expected to continue this week. 

Gokwe Sesame Constituency legislator, Cde Madron Matiza, confirmed the disaster, describing the extensive damage caused by the storm.

“A devastating storm swept through Gukure Village, leaving a trail of destruction. 

“Approximately 90 percent of the homesteads were severely damaged by the heavy rains and strong winds,” he said.

Cde Matiza added that flooding rendered five homesteads uninhabitable, forcing families to seek shelter with neighbours. The affected homes belong to Tinei Ntabeni, Peter Honye, Machianje Chemai, Clemence Makomo, and Dumisani Mubikanyama. 

The flooding was exacerbated by the confluence of two rivers, both named Musita, which overflowed, inundating nearby flood plains. 

Cde Matiza said the affected families lived on the flood plains near the rivers’ confluence, making their homes vulnerable to flooding. 

“The houses, constructed using dagga without cement, were too weak to withstand the floodwaters. Thankfully, no injuries were reported,” he said. 

The Government is working on providing food relief to affected families, while local authorities across the country are preparing for potential flash floods.

Meanwhile, Gweru City Council has established evacuation centres in anticipation of heavy rains and possible flooding. 

The centres include Shumba Hall in Mambo suburb, Ingwe Hall in Senga, Mtapa Hall, Nazarene Church of Christ in Woodlands, Mkoba 2 Hall, Mkoba 10 Clubhouse and Muwunga Primary School.

 “We would like to inform our valued residents that we have evacuation centres set up for those who could be affected by floods,” said Gweru City Council in a statement. 

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) Humanitarian and Emergency Operations Centre (SHOC) has issued a yellow alert, warning of potential flash floods, landslides, and river overflows in Zimbabwe and other countries.

The alert, which remains in effect until tomorrow, signifies a moderate risk level, urging individuals and authorities to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions.