MUTARE– Local government officials have warned villagers in low lying areas of Chipinge district to immediately move to evacuation centres, as there are high chances of flooding along Save valley.
Chipinge District Development Coordinator, William Mashava warned that the continued rise in water levels in the river could lead to flooding as two local dams Ruti and Rusape already over spilling.
He said villagers should relocate to usual ward based evacuation centres before the anticipated floods hit the areas, as heavy rainfall continues to pound parts of the province.
“Please be advised that water levels in the Save River are increasing by the day and the river is now almost overflowing. It is also prudent to note that dams such as Ruti and Rusape are already spilling.
“In view of the above communities in the flood-prone areas of Save Valley are being urged to seek safety at the usual ward based Evacuation Centres while there’s still time.
“We are therefore kindly request everyone to cascade this message to all people in all risky areas so that our people become aware of the impending danger,” said Mashava.
The notice has been widely circulated on social media, and confirmed by the Civil Protection Unit (CPU) which referred all questions to Mashava, as the responsible officer on the grounds.
Mashava also said people living in areas like Changadzi, Tanganga, Dakate, Musvazi and other areas near rivers, should be on high alert.
“Communities staying in the Changadzi, Tanganga, Dakate, Musvazi and other areas near rivers should stay alert as there might be hit by river backlashes.
“It also advisable for people to continue to desist from crossing flooded rivers and gulleys. The district has to date in this season unfortunately recorded three (3) deaths after the victims were swept away by flowing rivers/gulleys,” said Mashava.
Locals in the area have however remained adamant that they would not move to the evacuation centres as they were ill equipped to carter for people in large numbers.
As climate change impacts have seen an increase in frequency and severity of events like floods, earthquakes, tsunami among others across the globe, leaving trails of destruction civil society has been leading in mitigation measures.
Local environment expert, Frank Mpahlo executive director of local environment organisation Green Governance Trust says there should be complementary efforts from all parties to ensure communities are alerted in time.
Mpahlo said to counter negative impact of the extreme weather events on communities there was a need for a collaborative approach among civil society actors to complement government policy efforts.
“Government should upscale dissemination of critical climate change information and warning to the communities on the ground in time before the adverse climate change events occur.
“We are pushing as civil society for key activities which are transformative. As Manicaland we want to be a coordinated and organized region working through collaboration and partnerships,” said Mpahlo.
Recently at least three people passed on after a tropical storm Cyclone Eloise, ravaged part of Chipinge and Chimanimani leaving communities appealing for assistance in the aftermath of the storm that destroyed homes, crops, livestock and school infrastructure.
