Heavy rains that lashed Mberengwa District on Monday evening have left a trail of destruction, claiming the life of a young schoolgirl and injuring fourteen others. The downpour, which affected much of the country, caused significant damage to schools, hospitals, and homes, leaving the district in a state of emergency.
The tragic loss of life occurred when a Grade 3 learner from Mahindi Primary School sought shelter from the torrential rain in a collapsing grocery store.
“The girl, who was in school uniform, was hit by rubble and died on the spot,” confirmed Mberengwa District Development Coordinator, Mr Vafias Hlabati.
The devastation extended beyond the tragic loss of life. Zvemukonde Secondary School suffered the most significant damage, with its classroom block losing its roof. Fourteen learners were injured by flying roofing sheets and were rushed to Zvishavane District Hospital for treatment.
Fortunately, “From the information I got this morning (yesterday) all were treated and discharged,” Mr Hlabati reported.
The impact of the storm was widespread. Mr Hlabati detailed the extent of the damage: “21 other schools, two district hospitals and 54 homesteads, were damaged by the rains. The district has since approached the provincial office for support. Lessons and examinations at the affected schools have been disrupted.”
Among the schools affected were Masase High, Mnene High, Mbuyanehanda High, Jena Primary, Chimbapire Primary, Ngezi Primary, Chebvute Primary, and Chemakudo Primary, highlighting the scale of the disaster.
Mnene Hospital, the district’s main referral health facility, also suffered damage, with some wards losing their roofs and water tanks vital for the hospital’s operation being affected. The situation is dire for many residents.
“It’s a serious disaster, we also have over 50 homesteads which were damaged and villagers are staying in the open. We are mobilising tents and food for the affected families but we are overwhelmed,” Mr Hlabati explained.
The district is now facing the urgent task of finding alternative shelter for examination candidates whose schools have been rendered unusable. Mr Hlabati held an emergency meeting with the Provincial Civil Protection Unit to coordinate relief efforts and address the immediate needs of the affected communities.
“The rains came at a huge cost in Mberengwa and the district is in a mess,” he stated.
The Department of Civil Protection, under the leadership of Mr Nathan Nkomo, has responded to the crisis.
“The department would engage the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education to suspend lessons in the event streams are flooded, to save lives,” Mr Nkomo indicated. The department has activated its support systems to ensure aid reaches those in need.
The Meteorological Services Department had predicted localised heavy rainfall across the country, with widespread rain commencing Monday evening.
