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Factmore Dzobo Chronicle Reporter
ZIMBABWE Red Cross Society (ZRCS) and Plan International have come to the rescue of Tsholotsho flash flood victims with donations of food, tents, blankets and camp beds worth thousands of dollars. About 57 affected families including 20 pupils camped at Jimila Secondary School in Ward Six have benefited from the donation.

The group had been marooned for almost a month after failing to cross the flooded Gwayi River.
The donation was presented to the affected families drawn from Gariya 1, 2 and 3, Butabubili, Mtshina, Kalani, Sandawana, Mahlaba, Jimila, Sikente, Mapili and Jakalisi on Thursday last week.

Handing over the donation, ZRCS Matabeleland North provincial programmes officer Thembelihle Valo said assisting the flood victims was part of her organisation’s mandate to complement the government’s efforts on humanitarian assistance.

“We are a humanitarian organisation and an arm of the government with a mission of reaching out to vulnerable groups. We are working hand in glove with the Civil Protection Unit (CPU) giving a hand wherever possible,” she said.

“Serving and alleviating human suffering is therefore our mandate and I believe from the aide we have pledged, there is more ZRCS can do. We are calling on the corporate world and other stakeholders to come on board.”

Tsholotsho District Administrator Nosizi Dube said while the rains have stopped some affected families were in need of food assistance after their homes were swept away.

“The government intervened at the right time and most affected families were assisted although there is a need for more food to assist them.

“I want to thank the government and all corporate partners who have chipped in with support,” she said.
Dube paid tribute to the CPU and ZRCS for taking the lead in the National Disaster Response Team (NDRT), which visited several affected villages in the district.

Mtshina village head Mandlela Maphosa expressed gratitude to Plan International and ZRCS for coming to villagers’ rescue.