By Christopher Makaza
The Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) special forces (Commandos), Civil Protection Unit (CPU) and other Government Departments continue to conduct searches and rescue missions in Chimamimani and other affected areas.
Due to damaged roads, the movement of vehicles with rescue teams has been affected and some missions are being done on foot. Choppers have since been deployed.
A ministerial delegation led by Local Government, Public Works and National Housing Minister Cde July Moyo is still on the ground assessing the damage caused by the Cyclone which has reportedly claimed more than 82 lives and destroyed infrastructure. Secretary for information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Mr Nick Mangwana has also been visiting the stricken Chimanimani since Friday.
Citizens have applauded President Emmerson Mnangagwa for cutting short his visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to make sure that he is directly involved with the national response to victims of the cyclone. President has also incorporated in his schedule a plea for assistance for the cyclone victims.
MDC-T Spokesperson Linda Masarira on her Twitter page posted, “Ndizvo zvinoitwa naBaba venyika izvi. Baba vanotanga vagadzirisa matambudziko ari mumusha mavo, vochenura nekugadzirisa zvinoda kugadziriswa. Tinotenda nekuyeuka kuti hupenyu hwevana veDzimbahwe huri mumaoko enyu.”
Relatedly businessman Mutumwa Mawere has negatively responded to opposition elements who castigated President Mnagagwa`s United Arab Emirates visit.
“Is it competent to expect the person of the President to be some form of a clairvoyant? What if the trip was planned in advance without the knowledge of what nature had in store? Let us not seek to make a President some little God who must cease to have human properties in him.
“Why should we invoke the person of Mnangagwa in a national disaster? Is it what politics should be about? Let us separate the person of the President from acts of nature. It is not competent to see every misfortune in the political terms. Really should we be this cheap?”
President Mnangagwa has since paid condolences to the affected families, thanking those who are participating in the rescue operations.
“My thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by Cyclone Idai. Rescue operations are underway and we are grateful for the bravery of the men and women of the Zimbabwean armed forces who, along with our local and international partners, are participating in the urgent rescue efforts.”
Meanwhile, the CPU is appealing to the general public to avoid visiting the Cyclone ravaged Chimanimani and Chipinge areas adding that increased traffic is causing road congestion that is disturbing the transportation of relief supplies and slowing down rescue efforts.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has warned bus drivers not cross bridges submerged in water and to be observant and alert on the road all the time.
