Shongedzai Mugwagwa

Government has activated the Binga District Civil Protection Unit to rescue families which have been marooned after flash floods due to heavy rainfall which fell for 48hours nonstop, the Harare Post can report.

In a statement released by the DCPU, the Nsungwale area under Chief Sinakoma which is at the confluence of four rivers, Simbwambwa, Sikanda, Namapande and Manyenyengwa, experienced threatening floods after a heavy backlash.

Government has availed two helicopters from the Air Force of Zimbabwe and the Sub Aqua team has been activated for a swift response in assisting the families.  According to DCPU, 11 families have already been taken to safer zones with the remainder still being assisted from the marooned zones.

“As an immediate intervention, the Air Force of Zimbabwe, being an active member of the Emergency Services subcommittee, has mobilized two helicopters to assist the affected families.  The Sub Aqua Unit stationed at Fairbridge in Bulawayo have also been mobilised,” reads the statement.

The DCPU committee advised Binga residents to exercise caution during this time as it intensifies its efforts to help everyone, by also distributing more than 100 tents to those in need.

The Meteorological Services Department has warned of heavy rainfall in the week commencing 10 February 2020 and further highlighted areas which are prone to floods and other related disasters and advised people to take caution and be alert.