Executive Summary
Floods that have hit the country especially in the southern parts of the country particularly
Masvingo, Matabeleland South, Matabeleland North and Bulawayo have left an estimated
250 people dead and thousands homeless. Thousands of people particularly in Tsholotsho
have been displaced.
Crops, livestock and other property were destroyed by the
rains. Schools and other infrastructure such as bridges
have been destroyed in some parts of the country cutting
off children from their schools and health facilities. Those
already in need of food aid cannot be reached because of
the flooded roads.
The Air Force of
Zimbabwe has
deployed helicopters
Figure 1: Flood victims at a camp in
Matabeleland North, ZPP photos
to rescue survivors
but the floods have
exposed government’s poor state of disaster
preparedness.
The rights to life, personal security, housing, health and
education have been compromised by the floods.
Although the floods are a natural disaster which cannot
be blamed on the government, the responses to the
Figure 2: Toilets at the camp, ZPP photos
disaster have exposed the government which has now
appealed for international help.
Figure 3: Camp for flood victims
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