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Emmah Chinyamutangira Manicaland Correspondent
The Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs, Dr Ellen Gwaradzimba, has expressed deep sadness at the predicament facing thousands of people in Chimanimani and Chipinge districts where more than 80 people have died so far due to the effects of Cyclone Idai.

In a statement, the minister extended her condolences to the families who lost their relatives and commiserated with those who are still waiting for rescue missions to reach them.

“Indeed, we learnt with great distress and sadness the news about Chimanimani, Chipinge and some parts of Buhera, Makoni and Nyanga districts that were the worst affected by Cyclone Idai resulting in deaths and destruction of property, homesteads, roads, bridges and missing of people in Chimanimani, Ngangu area.

“On behalf of the Manicaland leadership, I would like to convey our heartfelt condolences to the people of Manicaland who are undergoing the tragic and traumatic experiences due to the loss of many lives and disappearance of numerous people, “ she said.

She assured people that the Government rescue teams which include Security Services Civil Society Organisation, development partners and others were trying to reach all the affected areas and help those in need.

“Our Government, through its disaster management task force, has moved in and initiated a process to mobilise its teams to extend all possible humanitarian assistance to the people in affected areas.

“At the same time I hope that our development partners will continue to provide necessary assistance to the rescue teams to facilitate relief in affected areas in Manicaland ,” she said.

Minister Gwaradzimba also urged all communities to join the rescue efforts and support the affected people.