Zimbabwe Floods Displace Hundreds in Masvingo Region

WASHINGTON —  Some 150 families have been evacuated from their homes after heavy rains in Chiredzi on Wednesday night caused massive flooding.

The families, many of them Triangle Limited employees, are now in tents set up by the sugar manufacturing firm and the local civil aviation authority. The families have also received blankets and some food.

Officials said flood waters are as high as one metre deep in some areas. They are now asking the government and foreign donors to assist victims.

Chiredzi Central lawmaker Mose Mare told VOA the floods have devastated the livelihoods of the affected families.

Interview With Moses Mare

Chiredzi resident Victor Nyahuma, who said he lost most of his belongings in the flood, indicated that he woke up at night to find himself surrounded by water in his home.

"I was awaken by a very hard knock on my door only find out that I was knee-deep in water ... I was able to only get hold of my certificates and cellphone."

Nyahuma said he worked with neighbors to assist those trapped in their homes.

Interview With Victor Nyahuma

As heavy rains continue, the Meteorological Services Department has warned that there may be more flooding in low-lying areas of the country. Zimbabweans are being urged to practice extreme caution, know local weather patterns and areas prone to flooding.

Though there are no deaths reported from last the flooding in Masvingo region, officials said four people are missing after they tried to drive over a flooded river in Chiredzi over the weekend.