Sibusiso Ndlamini
Natural disasters such as land-slides, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and cyclones have always been there since time immemorial. Such disasters are a challenge in every country as they cause a lot of unexpected destruction which would need remedial efforts to assist affected victims.
In 2000, Zimbabwe experienced cyclone Eline, which left a trail of destruction in the whole Southern Africa region.
The recent cyclone Idai, which was experienced in Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwe was recorded as the worst as it came with force and heavily destroyed roads, bridges, schools, houses and people’s lives in most parts of Chimanimani and Chipinge.
Cyclone Idai left most people homeless and many deaths. The impact of cyclone Idai was never anticipated, and this could explain why many people were affected and infrastructure destroyed. However, the Government, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), Civil Society Organisations, private organisations and individuals should be commended for assisting the cyclone victims with humanitarian aid.
The donated relief aid which include food stuffs, household utensils, blankets and many other items are essential to the affected people. It is pleasing that the relief aid is reaching the actual beneficiaries since distribution is being done on ward basis in most distribution centres. Thus, the community will establish a register of the affected people to avoid any leakages and looting by unaffected people who might want to benefit from the provisions.
Besides the issue of donations, Government through its various departments is also doing a splendid job to ensure that the cyclone survivors have their lives return to normalcy. For instance, the District Development Fund, (DDF) together with members of Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) are working tirelessly to re-open and rehabilitate the roads that were damaged by cyclone. As it stands, most roads are impassable because of the damage and this is causing delays in food distribution in some areas such as Kopa, Rusitu Valley in Chimanimani.
The ZNA is also making efforts to search and recover the human remains of those that were buried under rubble and boulders. The searches are important as family members with missing relatives need closure by affording their loved ones proper burials.
The Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare which is in charge of the distribution of relief aid should also be encouraged to assist the affected victims in building damaged houses and schools. Some NGOs such as Christian Aid, have shown interest in supporting Government in rebuilding the affected schools and houses. Rebuilding of schools in affected communities is important because it will lessen the burden of travelling long distances by scholars. Most students in affected areas are walking 15 to 20 kilometres to the nearest schools.
Psycho-social support in the context of disasters refers to comprehensive interventions aimed at addressing a wide range of psycho-social problems arising in the aftermath of a disaster, such as cyclone. Psycho-social support and mental health services should be considered as a continuum of the interventions in disaster situations.
Usually, a natural disaster such as a cyclone is traumatizing to the surviving population as people exposed to such disasters develop higher rates of mental disorders. Thus, the Government together with other NGOs must also be encouraged to offer services of psycho –social support and health awareness campaigns to the surviving victims. Most families that lost their relatives due to this devastating cyclone will be in much need of such social counselling and guidance.
There is also a need for continuous dialogue with the cyclone victims, so as to understand both their perceptions and needs. It is heartening that President Mnangagwa together with his Ministers have been leading by example. President Mnangagwa has been in Chimanimani several times, to fully understand the plight of the cyclone survivors with a view to assisting them to get back on their feet.
