Faith Ndou
MASVINGO-Seven people were rescued after being marooned in Mutirikwi River following flash floods that hit the area last week.
Three of the victims Elias Ngomani (77), Joyce Ngomani (49) and a two-year-old girl from Village Ngomani under Chief Nyajena in Masvingo Rural, were trapped on the 13th of February at around 1430hrs while attempting to cross the river from Chiredzi to the Zvouronge area.
While they were midway across, the river suddenly flooded, forcing them to climb onto a rock in the middle of the river for safety.
Police were alerted and the Sub Aqua Unit of the Zimbabwe Republic Police attended the scene later that night. Although officers confirmed the trio was safe, they could not immediately retrieve them due to darkness and the rocky terrain. The three were eventually rescued on the 16th of February at around 0500hrs. No injuries were reported.
In a related incident, Jaela Mapato (77) of Mapato Village under Chief Nyajena was also trapped on the 13th of February at around 1430hrs while travelling from Chiredzi. He sought refuge on an island in the middle of the river and was rescued by the Sub Aqua Unit on the 16th of February at around 0630hrs. He was reported to be safe and in stable condition.
In another similar incident, Tecla Chinetso (46) of the Pensheni area in Triangle was fishing in the Mutirikwi River with her two children aged four and fourteen on the 15th of February at around 1600hrs when a flash flood occurred. The family was marooned on an island in the river and spent the entire night there before being rescued on the 16th of February. All three were reported to be in stable condition.
Zimbabwe Republic Police Masvingo Deputy Spokesperson Assistant Inspector Masauso Patinyu urged members of the public not to attempt crossing flooded rivers and to avoid low-lying areas during heavy rains to prevent such incidents which may lead to fatalities.
