500 missing as rescue efforts continue

The heavily affected areas such as Rusitu, Ngangu in Chimanimani, Biriiri and surrounding areas.

Department of Civil Protection (DCP) Director Mr Nathan Nkomo yesterday warned people against visiting Cyclone Idai-ravaged areas saying traffic congestion on bad roads is disturbing rescue efforts at a time government has started assessing the extent of damage.

He said increased traffic is causing congestion that is disturbing transportation of relief supplies and slowing down rescue efforts.

He said they are failing to reach Ngangu and Mutambara Mission because of too much traffic.

Mr Nkomo urged people to reduce visits to ravaged areas because the roads are not in good condition which may lead to further disaster.

“We have been assigned to reach hotspots which are Ngangu and Mutambara Mission to help cyclone victims but the road is congested. I urge the public to reduce the number of visits because the roads are so bad and too much traffic on bad roads will lead to further disaster,” he said.

In a separate interview, Local Government, Public Works and National Housing Minister July Moyo said with assistance from the army and other departments, his Ministry had started assessing how much will be required to repair destroyed infrastructure.

He said on Monday helicopters managed to access areas that were not accessible the day before making it easier for engineers to see the damage caused by the cyclone.

“As we monitor the situation in Manicaland and assist the affected people we’re also assessing the extent of damage caused by the cyclone. The cyclone destroyed infrastructure in many parts of the province, especially bridges, roads, schools and homesteads.

“Unfortunately some areas are not accessible because the roads were blocked and there’s mist in the area. We’ve only managed to see half of the bridges that were destroyed. As soon as it clears and we manage to see the rest of the bridges and infrastructure we’ll be able to tell how much we need for reconstruction,” said Minister Moyo.

He said it was a horrendous experience for affected people, including school children to wait for rescuers in such conditions.

“The army helicopters yesterday managed to have access to the affected areas and there’s progress. We have army engineers who’re working with our engineers to give us definitive costs when they finish assessing the situation,” said Minister Moyo.

He said the cyclone had left a huge trail of destruction leaving his Ministry with much work on its hands.

The Minister added that the area was mountainous and most people were living on the sides of mountains.