Tropical Storm Ana destroys houses, bridges
OVER 100 houses, six institutional buildings, two bridges and six culverts were destroyed, while five roads were left impassable and electricity was cut off in parts of Manicaland as Tropical Storm Ana swept through the province for the greater part of this week.
As of yesterday (Thursday), no deaths or injuries had been recorded as the rains subsidised across the province, while water levels in dams were reported to have significantly increased.
In an interview with The Manica Post yesterday, Secretary for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Mr Edgars Seenza said the Government has since intervened with food aid and road clearing equipment to reopen barricaded roads in Chimanimani, Mutasa and Nyanga.
“Tropical Storm Ana left a trail of destruction in some parts of the province, with 105 houses, six institutional buildings, two bridges (Masanga in Chipinge and Gairezi in Nyanga) and six culverts having been damaged by 3pm on Wednesday. Five roads were left impassable.
“No deaths and injuries were reported across the province. Government, with the assistance of development partners, swiftly moved in to clear the blocked roads.
“Landslides were reported in Chimanimani, Mutasa, Nyanga and Vumba, but the roads have since been cleared. A big hole that had developed at a bridge along Jeff Road in Mutare was also attended to,” said Mr Seenza.
He added: “Government through a development partner, Oxfam, also availed food aid to those affected in Chipinge. Government also provided tents to those who were left without shelter after their houses were destroyed. More food aid is being mobilised for all those affected by the tropical storm.
“UNICEF is also carrying out Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) assessments in Chimanimani, Mutasa and Nyanga. We are continuously carrying out assessments in all affected areas so that we can intervene since Government had availed disaster preparedness funds before the onset of the rainy season. Respective districts’ Civil Protection Units will carry out the assessments,” said Mr Seenza.
In Nyanga, which was the hardest hit district, more than 80 houses collapsed, while the Tombo-Magadzire and the Avila MissionRenzva Roads were left impassable. The bridge across Gairezi River was also swept away.
Since Monday, most parts of Nyanga District did not have electricity after the lines were cut off and the poles uprooted.
Timber plantations, especially those in highlands, were badly affected by the strong winds.
Nyanga District Development Coordinator Mr Nyashadzashe Zindove said
19 houses were destroyed in Wards 11, 12 and 21.
“We are still in the midst of assessing the damage caused by the rains. Apart from the four blocks that had their roofs blown off at Nyafaro High School, 14 houses also collapsed in the area. In Nyanga urban, five houses collapsed. Assistance was given to those affected. The Gairezi Bridge along the Magadzire-Tombo Road was also swept away,” said Mr Zindove.
Tourism players in Nyanga were also not spared. At Rhodes Nyanga Hotel, an outside ablution facility was destroyed after gum trees fell on its roof. Hotel manager, Ms Nyasha Makanza said the damage occurred during the wee hours of Tuesday night.
“We woke up on Wednesday morning to witness this destruction. An outside bathing room was destroyed after trees fell on its roof.
The road leading to the hotel was also blocked by uprooted trees. We managed to clear the road,” said Ms Makanza.
Dongo Sawmills proprietor, Mr Francis Dongo, bemoaned the damage on timber plantations.
“It is sad that we are witnessing the destruction of plantations by natural hazards. All along we have been witnessing plantations being destroyed by veld fires, and now the adverse weather conditions are affecting us. This is a huge loss because from the 550 trees that one expects to harvest per hectare, we are now talking of almost 200 trees of less. It is sad,” said Mr Dongo.
Nyanga North Member of the House of Assembly, Honourable Chido Sanyatwe said the Avila Mission-Renzva Road was badly damaged.
“Buildings were also damaged at Nyamahumba
Primary School, while the Avila Mission-Renzva Road was greatly affected,” said Hon Sanyatwe.
Mutasa South constituency was also badly affected. Mutasa Ward 18 Councillor Pardington Nemaunga said about 60 households were left homeless.
“Almost 60 homes were destroyed. People are in dire need of tents, food and other amenities. However, up to now we have managed to assist less than 10 households. I am appealing to the Civil Protection Unit in Mutasa District and well-wishers to come on board and assist,” he said.
In Chimanimani, the District Development Coordinator, Mr Joseph Manyurapasi said there were no significant damages recorded.
“We have two households who had their cabins destroyed in Wards 13 and 15 of Machongwe area,” said Mr Manyurapasi.