BINGA District, in Matabeleland North Province, Nsungwale Area under Chief Sinakoma has been hit by floods leaving several families stranded.
HealthTimes Correspondent
The flooding occurred where four rivers meet namely; Sibwambwa, Sikanda, Namapande and Manyenyengwa.
“Due to the heavy backlash, all the 21 families in the flood plain are marooned and 11 others are being assisted to reach safer zones. The Rapid Assessment by the District Civil Protection Com-mittee indicates that there could be more people affected considering the general settlement patterns in Binga District.
“As an immediate intervention; the Airforce of Zimbabwe, being an active member of the Emergency’ Services Sub-committee has mobilized two helicopters to assist the affected families. The Sub-Aqua Unit! stationed at Fairbridge in Bulawayo were also mobilized,” said the Ministry of Local Government and Public works in statement.
Meanwhile, the District Civil Protection Committee was di-rected to intensify their assessments until they ascertain the actual number of people affected and those in need of assistance. The Civil Protection Department is dispatching 100 tents and blankets to Binga.
“As an immediate intervention; the Airforce of Zimbabwe, being an active member of the Emergency Services Sub-committee has mobilized two helicopters to assist the affected families. The Sub-Aqua Unit stationed at Fairbridge in Bulawayo were also mobilized.
“The District Civil Protection Committee was di-rected to intensify their assessments until they ascertain the actual number of people affected and those in need of assistance. The Civil Protection Department is dispatching 100 tents and blankets to Binga.”
Short term measures for consideration include the following:
• Quick evacuation of the affected families to areas of safety. • Mobilization of non-food and food items considering the level of destruction mostly of their pole and dagga houses and stored food. The DCPC to continuously monitor the general health and wel-fare of the people for possible outbreaks of waterborne related diseases. Long term measures include:
• Possible relocation of affected families backed by a robust rural housing delivery program to address the issues of sub-standard materials used.
• Capacitation of all Civil Protection organizations such as the Air force of Zimbabwe, Sub-Aqua Unit and Department of Civil Protection with all weather equipment in order to timeously respond to the vagaries of climate change. With the ongoing rainfall patterns, the public is advised to exercise caution and avoid crossing flooded rivers. In case of emergency contact 0712236384 or the nearest police station.
Long term measures include: • Possible relocation of affected families backed by a robust rural housing delivery program to address the issues of sub-standard materials used.
• Capacitation of all Civil Protection organizations such as the Air force of Zimbabwe, Sub-Aqua Unit and Department of Civil Protection with all weather equipment in order to timeously respond to the vagaries of climate change. With the ongoing rainfall patterns, the public is advised to exercise caution and avoid crossing flooded rivers. In case of emergency contact 0712236384 or the nearest police station.
