Bad weather leaves a trail of destruction in Manica districts

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Bad weather leaves a trail of destruction in Manica districts

12:40 CAT | 06 Dec 2018

Photo: DW

One person died and 200 families were left homeless by heavy rains and strong winds in the central Mozambican province of Manica. But people in the midst of the chaos are praising the work of the government.

Roads are cut and schools closed. In three of Manica’s 12 districts – Báruè, Gondola and Machaze – heavy rains and strong winds in the last few days have caused severe damage, with roads completely impassable.

Some families interviewed by DW Africa are satisfied with government support provided by the National Institute for Disaster Management (INGC), which has been providing tents, plastic sheeting for covering, and food and blankets.

“We are happy to see what the government is doing, that it is coming to our aid,” says Alberto Pedro, one of those affected by the windstorm in the Báruè district. “The school has also been destroyed and we have children studying there from the first to the seventh grade,” he says.

Moses Thole, another district resident, saw his house destroyed by the storm. “I lost a lot of things, corn, dishes and all the clothes. We are living in the open now, but at least the children were unhurt,” he says.

Dozens of students without classes

A Báruè school was also completely destroyed, leaving about 500 students without classrooms. “At this moment, we are incapacitated – classes are not taking place and resuming them will be difficult,” school director Manuel Victor Chacuamb says, asking for support for rebuilding.

According to the INGC delegate in Manica, Teixeira Almeida, personnel are already visiting the most critical districts to identify needs so that support can be delivered as soon as possible.

“In addition to setting up tents, we are distributing food and blankets. For now, work continues on the ground and our colleagues are already in action throughout the province,” Almeida explains.

Source: Deutsche Welle