Floods maroon 21 Binga families

Harare (New Ziana)- At least 21 families in Binga, Matabeleland North Province, have been marooned by flood waters following incessant heavy rains, the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works said on Tuesday.

In a statement, the Ministry said preliminary indications were that more people could have been affected by the flooding at a confluence of four local rivers.

“Binga District in Matebeland North Province, Nsungwale area under Chief Sinakoma experienced heavy rains which resulted in some life threatening floods. The flooded area is where four rivers meet namely: Sibwambwa,Sikanda, Namapanda and Manyenyengwa,” the Ministry said.

“Due to the heavy backlash, all the 21 families in the flood plain are marooned and 11 others are being assisted to reach safer zones. The rapid assessment by the District Civil Protection Committee indicates that there could be more people affected considering the general settlement patterns in Binga,” it added.

Incessant heavy rains have been pounding most parts of the country in recent days, putting areas prone to flooding such as Binga at high risk.

The Meteorological Services Department said Binga recorded 49 mm of rains at the weekend, Victoria Falls 37 mm and Filabusi 25 mm.

The Ministry of Local Government and Public Works said two Air force of Zimbabwe helicopters had been dispatched to the flooded areas in Binga to rescue stranded families, and so have been sub-aqua teams from Bulawayo.

“The Sub- Aqua Unit stationed at Fairbridge in Bulawayo was also mobilised. The District Civil Protection Committee was directed to intensify their assessments until they ascertain the actual number of people affected and those in need of assistance,” it said.

New Ziana