Grade 3 girl killed, 14 learners injured as rains ...

Grade 3 girl killed, 14 learners injured as rains wreak havoc in Mberengwa

Zim Now Reporter

A Grade 3 girl from Mberengwa died this past Monday when a grocery store she had taken refuge in collapsed, trapping her under rubble.

The Mahindi Primary School pupil died on the spot, according to Mberengwa District Development Coordinator, Mr. Vafias Hlabati.

"Sadly, the girl was hit by rubble from the collapsed store and died instantly," Mr. Hlabati said.

In a related but separate incident 14 learners from Zvemukonde Secondary School were injured after a wind storm blew off a classroom block roof.

The learners were taken to Zvishavane District Hospital for treatment.

"The students were fortunate to survive, and we are relieved that they have all been treated and discharged," Mr. Hlabati added.

He said 21 schools have been affected with some getting disruption of classes and examinations with the local authorities seeking permission to find alternative shelter for examination candidates whose schools have been affected while other schools suspend operations.

"We are working closely with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education to ensure that lessons are suspended in areas where streams are flooded, to save lives," said Mr. Nathan Nkomo, Director of the Department of Civil Protection.

Besides Zvemukonde Secondary, other schools that sustained damage include Masase High, Mnene High, Mbuyanehanda High, Jena Primary, Chimbapire Primary, Ngezi Primary, Chebvute Primary, and Chemakudo Primary.

Mr Hlabati said in addition to the 21 schools, 2 hospitals, and 54 homesteads were also affected.

. ".., Mnene Hospital, the district's main referral health facility, saw damage to its roof, and water tanks that supply the hospital were affected."
The district is working to mobilize tents and food supplies.

"It's a serious disaster. Villagers are stranded in the open, and we are doing everything we can to assist them, but we are overwhelmed," Mr. Hlabati said. "We have requested support from the provincial office and are awaiting further assistance."