Categories: World News

Zimbabwe Hit by Deadly Foods After Drought, 246 Killed

Zimbabwe has appealed for $100m (£82m) to help those hit by floods that have killed 246 people since December.
Officials say floods, which follow a crippling drought, have swept through villages, destroying roads, crops and livestock in the south of the country.
The air force has transported some marooned villagers to safety.
Last week the cash-strapped government was criticised for reportedly spending up to $2m to celebrate President Robert Mugabe’s 93rd birthday.
Mr Mugabe has declared the floods a national disaster.

Around 2,000 people have been left homeless by the flooding, with a further 1,500 described as “marooned”, in an official government briefing, with communities cut off by the damage to roads.

Five bridges on major highways have been swept away, Transport Minister Joram Gumbo told local media. The deadly floods have compounded the problems facing many Zimbabweans, who are still reeling from the affects of a crippling drought.

More than four million people are estimated to be in need of food aid after rains failed last year. In what the government calls “an astounding shift from a drought condition to an excessively wet situation,” it lists 10 provinces, mainly in the south and west of the country, which have been worst affected by the recent flooding.

Public infrastructure has been badly hit. with 74 schools damaged, Minister for Local Government Saviour Kasukuwere said. Seventy dams had burst and 85% of the country’s dams were full, meaning that “even low amounts of rainfall will cause flooding,” he added.

BBC Africa

Recent Posts

Harsh Economy: Nigerians React As President Tinubu Spotted With Over 60-Vehicle Convoy In Lagos

In a video making waves on social media platforms, Nigerians have reacted with mixed feelings…

6 hours ago

Man Arrested For Insulting President Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu, IGP

A popular Nigerian TikToker identified simply as Seaking has been arrested by operatives of the…

11 hours ago

The Longest Prison Sentences Ever Served

Throughout history, some individuals have endured extraordinarily long prison sentences, with their stories reflecting the…

12 hours ago

Families Call For Help As DSS Arrests Lovers In Osun Community

There is growing tension in Modakeke, Osun State, following the alleged arrest of two lovers,…

16 hours ago

Ibadan Stampede: I Regret Not Heeding Spiritual Warning – Woman Who Lost Two Kids

A victim of the stampede that occurred in Ibadan, Oyo State capital, which has claimed…

16 hours ago

Trending Stories In Osun Today

The vibrant Osun State is no stranger to captivating events and headlines that draw attention…

17 hours ago

This website uses cookies.