HARARE: At least 246 people have been killed by floods in Zimbabwe since December, state media reported Friday, as the government launched an appeal for foreign aid,
reports AFP.
The Herald newspaper said at least 128 people had been injured, 2,000 left homeless, 74 schools damaged and 70 dams had burst in floods across the country that followed a prolonged drought. “There is an inadequate supply of tents, foodstuffs and drugs for the affected people,” Local Government Minister Saviour Kasukuwere told the paper.
“There is a need for blankets and clothing for the affected families and they are at risk of contracting pneumonia and acute respiratory infections.”
He appealed for emergency funding from international donors, private companies and the public. “After working hard responding to the effects of drought, the same people are now suffering because of excessive floods,” Bishow Parajuli, of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), told The Herald.