Cyclone Idai aftermath: Villages cut off, rebuild under way

Cyclone Idai has caused devastation in Zimbabwe. Landslide and floods triggered by heavy rains have caused serious damage to property, displacing thousands.

Since Cyclone Idai hit the eastern part of Zimbabwe, many villages like Kopa, located in Lusitu area of Manicaland Province, were left devastated and separated from the rest of the region. The only way to access the village is a makeshift wooden bridge, despite the apparent dangers of using it.

"This makeshift bridge has a long queue which has been extending for hours. The elderly people are frequently losing their balance while attempting to cross over to the other side but there is no option, the bridges were swept away. If the responsible authorities could make firmer temporary bridges then that would enable safety while crossing. At this juncture we ask the government to swiftly facilitate an intervention. Right now the people are risking their lives by crossing through this makeshift structure made of logs," said Stephen Makochon, a resident from a neighboring village.

This is just one in a long list of emergencies to respond to after the cyclone tore through the region.

"Due to the heavy rains that were triggered by the storm, there was a lot of water. The volume of water accumulated and it was breaking the bridge and the stones. So when the water accumulated the bridge burst out and the water flew to the place where people were residing and it flattened everything. The storm damaged the houses, and it was due to the storm that what we recognized and there are people who were buried under the soil and the stones are on top of the people. We are filled with regret from the incident, " said Anyway Dhlumo, a resident of a neighboring village.

The survivors are now facing a long wait. The humanitarian situation is considerable and the affected areas very extensive. It will be months before they begin to resettle into a new normal.

(CGTN)