HEAVY rains that fell across Zimbabwe last month killed 123 people and affected over 250 000 others, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
More than 1 300 families were displaced.
The rains caused significant infrastructure damage, leaving 211 bridges in critical condition, and damaged over 200 schools and 15 health facilities. Cholera outbreaks in Zambia and Mozambique have raised public health concerns.
OCHA reported that floods and cyclones this season have claimed 300 lives and affected 1,5 million people across Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Madagascar and South Africa.
“South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe have reported fatalities, displacement and extensive infrastructure damage, including to schools, health facilities, bridges and dams, with cholera outbreaks recorded in Zambia and heightened public health risks across the region,” OCHA said.
It said heavy rains in Zimbabwe caused dam spillages, river overflows and flash floods affecting 41 575 people (8 315 families).
Keep Reading
- COP26 a washout? Don’t lose hope – here’s why
- Under fire Mnangagwa resorts to Mugabe tactics
- How will energy crunch transition impact transition to renewables?
- COP26 a washout? Don’t lose hope – here’s why
The rains also damaged more than 200 schools and 15 health facilities.
“In Zimbabwe, heavy rains from 13 to 24 January caused dam spillages, river overflows and flash floods, prompting the Department of Civil Protection to request Zimbabwe Red Cross Society support for life-saving assistance. Since January, at least 123 deaths and multiple injuries have been reported,” OCHA said.
According to the report, the governments are coordinating response efforts with support from Sadc, UN agencies and humanitarian partners, while CERF and other donors have mobilised emergency funding.
In Zimbabwe, the response centres on preparedness and immediate relief with early warnings and agro advisories issued, the National Emergency Operations Centre activated and temporary bridges installed.
The Zimbabwe Red Cross Society US$488 000 IFRC DREF to support 10 000 flood affected people with lifesaving and relief activities, including shelter, multi-purpose cash assistance, health, water, sanitation and hygiene (wash), community engagement and accountability and protection, gender and inclusion, for a period of four months.
According to OCHA, flood and cyclone impacts include access constraints, debris hindering assessments, residual flooding prolonging displacement and the risk of cholera and waterborne diseases.
“Humanitarian response to flooding and the impacts of cyclones across southern Africa continues to face significant operational challenges.
“Access constraints remain a major impediment, with damaged roads, bridges and critical infrastructure limiting partners’ ability to reach affected communities and disrupting supply chains,” OCHA said.