Chipo Gudhe

One person died whilst 131 households were affected in the storm that hit many parts of the Midlands early Tuesday morning, a top official has said.

Addressing members of the Provincial Civil Protection Unit today in Kwekwe, Director in the Local Government Ministry Charlton Murove said a child under 5 years died after a hut was destroyed whilst several others were injured in Kwashira Village, Chief Chireya, Gokwe North.

“In the Midlands 131 households were affected in different magnitudes with some being razed down and roofs being blown off. It’s sad that there was a loss of life in Gokwe North, a child was injured when a house was affected and several others were injured,” he said.

In Kwekwe, Town Clerk Dr Lucia Mkandla said 27 houses were seriously damaged and 13 families need shelter

“In Mbizo, 54 families were affected and they need food whilst 13 families need shelter and 27 houses were seriously damaged. Mbizo and Al Davies Clinics were also affected. Maryward  School was also affected including the Mbizo 4 market and public toilet. Meanwhile, we have identified our evacuation centres at Mbizo Hall, Mbizo Youth Centre, and Amaveni Hall,” she said.

Redcliff Municipality Town Clerk Gilson Chakauya said a 1-year-9-month-old baby was injured and 32 houses were affected.

“We had recorded 32 cases and 12 roofs were blown off and we have provided for 11 households to be accommodated at Torwood admin only one family has taken up and some have sought refuge at Anglican Church and from relatives. We recorded one casualty, a 1-year-old, 9-month-old baby was injured. In Simbi Park 15 houses were affected most of it had to do with flooding and we have started drain clearing,” he said.

In Gokwe South three primary schools were damaged by the storm

“Three primary schools were affected by the rains that is Mutangi, Kapfunde which is a satellite school built by poles. At Ndabambi school one classroom block was affected, three injuries were recorded there

and five households were destroyed, said Gokwe South District Development Coordinator Netsai Mushauri.

Joram Chimedza, the District Development Coordinator for Chirumhanzu, said Chishuro school with sitting exam classes is the worst affected and 20 households were affected leaving people homeless.

“In Chirumhanzu 20 households were affected and the worst hit is Chishuro School, there are 2 blocks left at the school which has exam classes currently sitting. Simon Muzenda School, Nyautongwe, and Chapwanya were also affected,” he said.