Source: Heavy rains kill two, destroy property – herald
Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
TWO people have died, while four bridges, six houses, a clinic and a classroom block were damaged in different parts of Manicaland Province following the heavy rains that are being received across the country.
The Civil Protection Unit in Manicaland confirmed that in Nyanga District, three bridges, a footbridge and four houses were damaged, while Nyamudzi Clinic roof was blown off, and one person drowned in Rusape Dam on January 4 in Makoni District.
In Chimanimani District, a school classroom block roof was blown off, while two houses were damaged in Mutasa District
One person was struck by lightning in Chipinge District.
No adverse incidences have been recorded in Mutare and Buhera districts.
Provincial head of the Civil Protection Unit in Manicaland Mr John Misi confirmed the incidences.
“We all know that we have been receiving heavy rains since the start of the rainy season, and we are still in the midst of the season. We, as province, have witnessed destruction to human life and property, but not as much as it is being propagated in other forms of the media.
“In Nyanga District, three bridges, a footbridge and four houses were damaged, while Nyamudzi Clinic roof was blown off, and one person drowned in Rusape Dam on January 4 in Makoni District.
“In Chimanimani District, a school classroom block roof was blown off, while two houses were damaged in Mutasa District. One person was struck by lightning in Chipinge District.
“No adverse incidences have been recorded in Mutare and Buhera districts,” said Mr Misi.
He also advised citizens, especially those in marginalised communities to exercise extreme caution when they receive heavy rains in their communities.
“Our advice as the Civil Protection Unit in the midst of this rainy season where we are receiving heavy rains is that we must protect our school going children now that schools have opened. We should not let them play in water bodies. We should not allow them to cross water bodies while going or coming from school.
“In fact, parents must discourage learners from going to school when heavy rains are pounding and rivers are overflowing in cases where learners have to cross rivers to go to school.
“The same with teachers, they must detain learners in schools if heavy rains are being received and there are rivers to be crossed. Children have a tendency of trying to cross rivers while holding on to cattle tails, that should be discouraged,” he said.
Mr Misi also had some words of advice for drivers transporting learners.
“We also discourage drivers from overloading their vehicles when transporting learners. This has adverse effects when crossing some points with water bodies or slippery surface. Drivers must also ensure they give learners the way even in areas where there are no clear markings on the road,” said Mr Misi.
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