Story by Kenias Chivuzhe
Incessant rains have claimed two young lives in Chimanimani near Nedziwa, amid a worrying increase in the number of children swept away by floods.
Houses have also been destroyed in Chibuwe as incessant rains continue to pound Manicaland.
The rains also destroyed at least seven houses in Chibuwe area of Chipinge district.
Acting Director Local government Services, Mr John Misi gave an update on the prevailing situation in Manicaland province.
“Manicaland Province continues to receive a lot of rains especially in Chipinge district where we have received a lot of rains compared to other districts. We have lost two ECD learners from Tafadzwa ECD Satellite School for Matendeudze Primary School. The learners were swept away on their way from school. This points to a scenario where learners attempted to cross Umvumvumvu River on their way from school. Parents or caretakers should pick their children from school and continue to discourage them from playing around water bodies as children are fascinated by water,” he said.
“On another note, seven houses were damaged in Chibuwe Ward 20 due to the incessant rains. Roofs were blown away and the district civil protection committee is assessing the extent of the damage. Chibuwe is prone to flash floods. We have also experienced some rock falls in Chimanimani along Skyline and we would want to encourage and warn motorists to be careful when navigating roads in Chimanimani and Nyanga as these areas are common to rock falls this time of the season.”
Two other students were also swept away in Mutare this month, raising concern over the increasing number of children being lost to floods.
