…as heavy rains leave hundreds stranded
Itai Muzondo
GWERU: To enhance disaster preparedness, Gweru District, with support from the World food program (WFP) recently conducted drills and simulations to educate communities on how to respond during emergencies.
In a statement, WFP confirmed that in the program funded by Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations, they are collaborating with urban councils on urban preparedness initiatives.
“Over the years, urban areas have faced various hazards, including flash floods, fires, and disease outbreaks, often exacerbated by factors such as pollution.
“To address these challenges, WFP is working to strengthen the capacity of government institutions, enabling them to better prepare for and respond to future hazards,” the WFP wrote.
Welcoming the development, Civil Protection Committee provincial chairperson Charlton Murove said the exercise was key towards saving lives in times of persistent rains that have been experienced for the past weeks.
“To react through evacuations is not enough. In partnership with our partners, the Government of Zimbabwe saw it viable to carry out these exercises so as to capacitate communities with relevant life saving skills as they await further assistance in times of crisis,” Murove said.
He also confirmed that more than 500 families had been affected by the rains so far in the Midlands.
“Since January 1, over 200 households have been damaged, with 64 houses completely destroyed.
“In total, 561 people have been affected, and we regretfully recorded fatalities due to drowning,” he added.
Meanwhile, the province’s infrastructure has also suffered significant damage as loss of a critical bridge linking Dinson Iron and Steel Company to the main road was recorded and is currently under rehabilitation.
