(UPDATE) 144 confirmed dead in Zimbabwe from Cyclone Idai
Harare, Zimbabwe (PANA) – The death toll from Cyclone Idai that destroyed most of eastern Manicaland Province in Zimbabwe has risen to 144, officials confirmed to PANA here Thursday.
They however, expressed fears the death toll from the category three storm could be inching closer to 300.
Initially, government confirmed 98 deaths but local government minister July Moyo later said in a late cabinet meeting on Tuesday they feared as many as 300 were dead.
“#CycloneIdai update: Number of casualties in Zimbabwe as of 20/03/19: Total deaths 139, missing 189, injured 144, marooned 136,” Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services tweeted out.
Of the confirmed dead, 127 came from the Chimanimani District which has been the hardest hit area followed by Chipinge with six, Makoni one, and Mutare Rural four in the Manicaland Province.
However, a few hours later, government said in the neighbouring province to the Manicaland Province, Masvingo Province, there were a total of five deaths.
"MASVINGO PROVINCE: Total deaths - 5, 2 male children and 3 male adults, 17 injuries recorded in Zaka, Gutu and Chiredzi, 511 people homeless, 5,257 households affected Bikita hardest hit with 3,134 households," Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services tweeted out.
This takes the total of confirmed dead to 144.
In terms of the missing, previous reports said 217 were missing but rescue efforts reduced that number to the current 189, according to government.
Among those missing are a total of 30 pupils, two headmasters and one teacher.
But, non-governmental organisations have warned that more people could be missing or dead.
Rescue and relief efforts led by the Zimbabwe National Army are currently underway, with support and funding from American, British, European Union, and United Nations efforts.
It is feared Cyclone Idai might have crippled Zimbabwe’s fuel supplies at a time the country is facing foreign currency shortages to import the precious liquid.
In an update to senior management, Total Zimbabwe (Private) Limited GT, mines and special ties manager Chris Kasima said the fuel supply chain logistics into Zimbabwe had been adversely affected.
“Based on the information we have received, the following has since been established: the jetty in Beira has been damaged and can’t receive vessels to discharge; pumping house roof has been blown away, electrical board was affected, and the status is not yet known (damage yet to be established); condition of the pipeline from Beira to Zimbabwe is yet to be established and we still await NOIC update on the same,” he wrote in the update.
“Given the above, the stocks in tank in Masasa may not be replenished in due time as required and this is likely to put pressure on the supply chain. We are seized with finding a quick supply option and we still keep you posted on the developments and any cost structure implementations as we progress.”
The potential fuel shortages first came to light on Tuesday when government announced that Cyclone Idai damaged the Companhiado De Pipeline Mozambique-Zimbabwe (CPMZ) control room at Beira in Mozambique last week.
Mozambique’s CPMZ controls the pipeline from Beira to Feruka in Mutare which then sends fuel to the distribution point in the Harare suburb of Masasa where the fuel outlets then get the precious liquid.
Since Cyclone Idai struck, officials have been having difficulties in communication with authorities from Beira since last Thursday, with fuel shortages being witnessed in the economy as a consequence.
While Energy and Power Development minister Joram Gumbo confirmed the development, he insisted that Zimbabwe had enough fuel stocks.
Cyclone Idai entered Zimbabwe from Mozambique, after destroying the coastal city of Beira, last week on Thursday, wreaking havoc till Sunday in the eastern Manicaland Province.
With winds of up to 170 km/hr and heavy rains causing flooding, Cyclone Idai left a trail of destruction in the Manicaland Province destroying roads, bridges, houses, cars, and other property with the Chimanimani District being the worst hit.
-0- PANA RA 21 Mar2019
