Melinda Kusemachibi
Tropical Storm Ana, which made a landfall in the country in the last few weeks leaving a trail of destruction in Chipinge came as a blessing in disguise to Chiredzi District, which was rescued from a potentially severe moisture distress.
Chiredzi Civil Protection Unit chairperson, Lovemore Chisema said Tropical Storm Ana to them came at a time when crops and animals in the district desperately needed water.
“Firstly, tropical depression Ana did not affect us in a negative way, rather it came as a blessing in disguise since the district has been going through a moisture stress phase. In any case, the adverse report was received during the storm maybe it was a mere coincidence,” said Chisema.
In an interview however, Chipinge based farmer Charles Mabhuku said the tropical storm destroyed their houses and crops.
“The storm destroyed our homes and crops, so we cannot say it is a blessing. We have been left homeless with no crops to look up to,” said Mabhuku.
Macadamia nut farmers in Chipinge district were also left counting losses after the tropical storm uprooted their mature crops.
“All our crops are gone. We are left with no crops and this will likely cause a decrease in production as most of the mature crops were uprooted. I lost 20 macadamia plants to Cyclone Ana and it takes time to replant and harvest,” said Aleck Makamba, macadamia farmer.
In Zimbabwe, the passage of the Tropical Storm Ana left a trail of destruction and damage in at least six provinces, with Manicaland being the hardest hit of them all. At least 3 000 people have been affected by the heavy rains and flooding, where schools, bridges and roads were damaged.
