Tinaani Nyabereka
GWERU – At least one person has been reported dead after struck by lightning in Gokwe as the first rains left a trail of destruction in the Midlands Province where many families were reportedly left homeless.
Three other people escaped death by a whisker after their house collapsed on them.
The rains which were accompanied by lightning, hailstorms and strong winds hit the Midlands province on Monday evening and plunged many suburbs into darkness.
Gokwe District Development Coordinator (DDC) and Civil Protection Unit (CPU) chairperson Martin Musakanda said a number of families cheated death after roofs of their houses were damaged by trees that fell on them.
He said most parts of the district were plunged into darkness and by yesterday (Tuesday) power had not been restored in some residential areas and said they were still making assessment to ascertain the level of damage in the district.
“We rescued three people including two minors aged 15 and five years who were injured after their houses collapsed, we are still making further assessments and will give a detailed report after that,” said Musakanda.
Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) National spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said they were also still compiling data on the damages caused by the rain.
“We have received several reports on damages caused by the heavy rains across the country, we are still compiling the data,” said Nyathi.
ZETDC southern Region Manager, Gibson Kasipo said they were working flat out to restore power in affected areas.
“It’s true, we have several poles down and we are still assessing the impact of the storm. We are working flat out to ensure power is restored,” said Kasipo.
Chirumanzu-Zibagwe legislator, Jacob Chokururama, said several families were affected in his area and some had their food reserves destroyed by the rains.
“It’s quite a disaster here and CPU is on the ground assessing the damage and we have received a report of 30 families so far that were affected,” said Chokururama.
“Not only were the houses destroyed, but food stocks in terms of maize grain and other food items were also washed away, “he said.
He said a classroom block was destroyed at Chishuku Secondary School in ward 16, while another had its roof blown off.
However, the Agriculture and Water Permanent Secretary, Prof Obert Jiri said the heavy rains did not signal the start of the rainy season as such farmers should not start planting their crops.
“Farmers are discouraged from planting unless they have adequate irrigation. Unless a farmer has access to facilities, no crop planting is advisable until the moisture content is in the acceptable range,” said Prof Jiri in a statement.
