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Rutendo Rori Mashonaland East Correspondent
Government has offered food aid for people from 200 households in Chikomba who became homeless after their houses and property were destroyed by Cyclone Idai over the weekend.

However, 60 of the 200 households still need tents, blankets and additional food since their houses and property were completely destroyed by the heavy rains.

Speaking during a provincial Department of Civil Protection Committee meeting, Mashonaland East acting provincial administrator Mr Clemence Masawi said the food was ready for distribution at district level.

“A provincial Civil Protection team visited Chikomba on Tuesday as a follow-up on reports of Cyclone Idai having caused damage to properties and livelihoods,” he said.

“The findings show that a total of 200 households have been affected. Of these 200, 60 households are now homeless with no structure available, with two households of 17 family members living in an area which is not accessible, but have been housed by other villagers.

“Food aid from Government is ready for distribution at district level, and a request has been made at the national office for blankets, clothes and additional food,” said Mr Masawi.

He said the district had also established a command centre to coordinate relief efforts.

Mr Masawi said the cyclone caused one death and five injuries in five wards of the district.

“In Ward 7, three children were injured and taken to hospital and two families are homeless,” he said. “Three houses in Ward 30 were destroyed and one child was injured, and in Ward 5, a house fell on a 59-year-old man whose leg was broken.

“Bridges have also been destroyed and roads have also been damaged, affecting public transport.”

Civic society organisations and private voluntary organisations that include Higher Life, Red Cross and the World Food Programme also pledged to offer aid to the victims.