Cyclone Freddy Kills Two In Zimbabwe
The nation today woke up to the news that Cyclone Freddy claimed two lives in Manicaland Province, despite the fact that the tropical storm had weakened considerably by the time it made landfall in Zimbabwe.
This was confirmed by the Department of Civil Protection (DCP) deputy director in charge of response and operations, Farai Hokonya. Several schools in the affected districts also suffered damages, with their roofs being blown off by the heavy winds and incessant rains.
In neighbouring Mozambique, Cyclone Freddy hit the country on February 24, bringing with it winds that reached a velocity of 113 kilometers per hour after making landfall in the eastern city of Vilankulo, causing destruction to infrastructure. Madagascar also reported seven deaths due to the cyclone.
The country’s Metrological Services Departments (MSD) had given a warning about the approaching storm, mentioning southeastern parts of the country, Chipinge, Chimanimani, Chiredzi, Mwenezi, Beitbridge, Bikita, Zaka, and Buhera, and urged people not to panic, as the warning was only on level one, which is the lowest panic warning. James Ngoma, the head of the forecast at MSD, advised people to be vigilant and cautious and reassured them that the department was closely monitoring the situation.
The cemetery is said to have been operational for over 30 years and contains many unidentified graves.
BBC Africa reports that washed bodies from the graves are putting Mozambicans in the affected areas at risk of contracting water-borne diseases.
Residents within the Boane district spent the whole weekend clearing and removing the corpses from their homes, farms, and neighbourhoods.