Rains leave trail of destruction

SCORES of villagers in Gokwe North have been left homeless after their houses were destroyed by a hailstorm that ripped through the cotton farming district last Friday.

This comes amid reports that homes along Ome River in Gokwe North are at risk of being destroyed by floods as the river is silted due to stream bank cultivation.

Chief Chireya, who presides over the affected area, said the hailstorm that pounced on the district left a trail of destruction in Chiodza and Chitekete areas, destroying over 10 houses.

“Some of the villagers in my area have been left homeless after their homesteads were destroyed by a hailstorm,” he said.

“We received heavy rains on Friday evening and many households were destroyed.”

Chief Chireya said they were appealing to Government for assistance.

“We have already notified the Ministry of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing of the matter so that these villagers are assisted as a matter of urgency.”

Midlands provincial administrator Mr Abiot Maronge said Government was still assessing the intensity of the destruction.

“We received a report that there were houses that had been destroyed by hailstorm,” he said.

“Since the rainy season began, we have heard reports of houses being destroyed. However, we are still assessing the magnitude of the damage.”

The Meteorological Services Department (MSD) recently warned of heavy storm accompanied by damaging winds, lightning, hail and flash flooding that could destroy infrastructure and uproot trees.

MSD said the Department of Civil Protection, local authorities, the police and power utilities should be on high alert.

“The period should be rainy, occasionally with heavy rain in excess of 50mm in 24 hours in places, but mainly along and north of the central watershed, as well as the Eastern Highlands,” said MSD.

“Indications are that the rain may be sharp downpours accompanied by damaging winds, lightning, hail and flash flooding. Uprooting of trees and damage to infrastructure is possible with this type of rain intensity.

“The Department by way of this press release is alerting responsible authorities such as the Department of Civil Protection, local authorities, the police and power utilities to be on the alert for the duration of the period.

“The Department will continue monitoring the weather conditions. Further alerts and advisories will be issued as and when the need arises.”

In an interview, Environmental Management Agency (EMA) Midlands Planning Officer Ms Anastancia Mangisi said they had raised a red flag over the level of siltation in Ome River.

She said they had since ordered farmers in the district to desist from cultivating on the banks of the river since it contributed to siltation, raising the chances of flooding.

“We have ordered farmers in Gokwe North district to stop cultivating on the banks of Ome River as siltation of the river has resulted in flooding,” said Ms Mangisi.

“Homes in the area are at risk of being destroyed by floods.”

Ms Mangisi said they had embarked on an awareness campaign against stream bank cultivation.

“Siltation is one of the challenges affecting water bodies, especially in Ome River. We have embarked on a campaign against stream bank cultivation. We hope they will take heed so that they are not affected by flooding.”

Ms Mangisi said farming activities should be done at least 30 metres away from the highest flood level of any wetland and water body, be it a dam, lake, river, stream or weir.