Cyclone Idai victims refuse to relocate

Even after witnessing the killing and maiming of  their kith and kin by Cyclone Idai, Victims of the ravaging winds and waters of Chimanimani and Chipinge, have sworn to stay in the land of their fore fathers for posterity.

This comes at a time when the government is set to decide weather to relocate the victims or not.

Marry Musona of Skyline area in Chimanimani said being moved is not really necessary but early warning systems and Government preparedness before disasters strike should be the priority.

“I think disasters are everywhere even though we all know that there are areas that are prone to disasters. In case of Chimanimani I think this is a disaster that has come and gone. What is of primary importance is that we have sound early warning systems and Government preparedness before disasters strike should be the priority,” she said.

Solomon Sengedza (43) of Muusha village in Chimanimani, whose crops were swept away during the cyclone, said this is just a passing disaster.

“I think this is a natural disaster that can attack any other place as it did to us. Yes, we were badly affected because of the nature of the area that we stay because it is prone to mudslides but I think this is something that does not happen now and again.

“I lost everything in the fields. I had maize and groundnuts that were almost reaching the harvesting stage. It is sad that I no longer have anything and I do not know how I will survive in the next three or four months,” he said…..Chronicle