Department of Civil Protection appeals for help

Heavy rains fell across the country early this week, leaving a trail of destruction and some families homeless.

GOVERNMENT through the Department of Civil Protection has sent an SOS for humanitarian aid for victims of rainfall-induced disaster across the country.

Heavy rains fell across the country early this week, leaving a trail of destruction and some families homeless.

The worst-affected provinces were Masvingo, Matabeleland South, Matabeleland North and Mashonaland Central.

“The department is providing emergency shelter and non-food relief items including blankets, cooking utensils, clothes and hygiene kits for the victims,” Department of Civil Protection director Nathan Nkomo said.

“Government has also activated all civil protection structures at national and sub-national level,” Nkomo added.

“Most of the tents that had been prepositioned in Beitbridge in anticipation of receiving returnees from South Africa will be used to provide temporary accommodation for households affected by rainfall induced incidents.

“Relief in the form of food and non-food items is being distributed to affected households across the country, while partners are being engaged to complement government efforts.”

However, Nkomo said there was need to capacitate the department with fuel to ensure it reaches out to victims in all affected areas across the country.

“There is a need to capacitate District Civil Protection committees with fuel and allowances to conduct for rapid comprehensive assessments,” he said.

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