Thunderstorm causes devastation in Chirumhanzu Zibagwe constituency, leaving many homeless
Ephraim Munhuwei
In a heartbreaking turn of events, Hon Jacob Chokururama, the Member of Parliament for Chirumhanzu Zibagwe Constituency, woke up to a scene of destruction following a severe thunderstorm that hit the area last night. The storm caused extensive damage, resulting in significant financial losses for the community.
A total of 34 rooftops were ripped off from houses, spanning from Ward 12 to Ward 16. Additionally, the storm completely destroyed two school blocks at Chishuku Secondary School in Ward 16. Councilor Mr Ali, in a phone interview, recounted the traumatic scenes in his ward, expressing gratitude for the fact that no lives were lost.
Hon Chokururama, aware of the severity of the situation, immediately reached out to the Civil Protection Unit and Social Welfare for assistance in providing shelter to the affected families. He emphasized that while properties could be replaced, human lives are invaluable.
In a swift response, the Member of Parliament has begun mobilizing essential items such as blankets, food, and other necessities as the entire Constituency prepares for further storms. The commitment of the government to support its people in times of need has been well-received and appreciated by the villagers.
Councilor Makowe of Ward 16 appealed to the community, calling upon them to unite and extend a helping hand to their affected neighbors. In collaboration with the Member of Parliament, an emergency committee has been set up to coordinate relief efforts and reach out to well-wishers for additional aid.
The increasing incidents of droughts, floods, hailstorms, and heatwaves are clear indicators of the impact of climate change and variability, as stated in the Zimbabwe National Climate Change Response Strategy document. It is essential for communities to come together, not only to provide immediate assistance but also to address and adapt to these changing climatic conditions.
The Chirumhanzu Zibagwe Constituency is facing an uphill battle in the aftermath of this destructive thunderstorm. Nevertheless, it is through collective efforts and support that they will find the strength to rebuild their lives and foster resilience in the face of future challenges brought about by climate change.
As the impact of climate change continues to escalate, it has become one of the most pressing threats to global development. Unfortunately, developing countries like Zimbabwe are particularly vulnerable due to their limited capacity to adapt to these changes.
The effects of climate change in Zimbabwe have the potential to impede the country’s progress and jeopardize food security and adaptive capabilities. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the National Climate Change Response Strategy was implemented to address this critical issue by establishing targeted measures to mitigate and manage the potential impacts of climate change.
Through this strategy, efforts were made to assess the magnitude of the threat and devise specific actions to proactively combat the challenges posed by climate change. The goal is to bolster Zimbabwe’s resilience and develop effective strategies for adaptation.
As the country confronts the aftermath of the recent thunderstorm in Chirumhanzu Zibagwe Constituency, the need for a comprehensive response to climate change becomes even more evident. It is crucial for the government and communities to collaborate and prioritize adaptive measures to minimize the adverse effects on development and secure a sustainable future for Zimbabwe.
By working together and implementing the provisions outlined in the National Climate Change Response Strategy, Zimbabwe can begin to fortify its ability to cope with the increasingly severe impacts of climate change, ensuring a more resilient and prosperous future for all its citizens.