Urgent relief needed in flood-hit Zambezi Valley

By Henry Makiwa
18 December 2007

Aid agencies have called on the government to urgently address the welfare of thousands of flood victims in the north of the country, after three people were killed and many left homeless.

According to reports an estimated 1 000 people in the Muzarabani district lost their homes, livestock and crops to the floods. It is understood that on Friday an Air Force of Zimbabwe helicopter was sent to rescue flood victims, but there has been no report back yet from the scene. A key bridge in the district has been swept away leaving many stranded.

The Red Cross organisation which helps with relief, says it plans to distribute water purification tablets, blankets and food to villagers in the area, below the Zambezi escarpment, which has been badly hit by torrential rains.

The flood crisis comes as weather experts warned on Tuesday that intensified flooding is on the way. The Meteorological Services Department said more heavy rain, up to 80mm in 24 hours, was expected from Tuesday to Thursday in most parts of the country. The department also said low-lying areas in the country are at risk of flash floods and advised people living close to rivers and dams to closely monitor water levels and move to higher ground if necessary.

Aid agencies say the situation is critical and the government needs to act swiftly. But given that there has been no money for basic health services in general, and the government’s lack of willingness to address crucial humanitarian issues, it is unlikely the authorities will take any action to protect villagers from the flooding.