4 swept away by a flooded river

by Staff reporter

2013 January 07 23:03:00 | 3088 Views

Four people are reportedly missing after the commuter omnibus they were travelling in was swept away by a flooded river in Chiredzi.

According to Masvingo Provincial Police Spokesperson, Inspector Peter Zhanero, the commuter omnibus driver approached a flooded Runde River with five people aboard.

Upon realising that he could not cross the river, the driver sort assistance from a tractor driver to tow him through the river.

It is believed that when they reached the middle of the bridge the tractor could not pull through due to high water levels resulting in it being marooned together with the omnibus.

The tractor was carrying four men who all managed to swim to safety.

In the omnibus only one woman managed to swim out and the remaining two men and two children aged ten and twelve were swept away.

Currently, the police sub aqua unit is working flat out to retrieve the bodies which are believed to be still trapped in the commuter omnibus under water.

The police called on motorists and pedestrians to desist from crossing flooded rivers.

Meanwhile, the Meteorological Services Department has issued flood warnings after forecasting that the current wet spell will continue until January the 14th.

Cautioning that heavy rains will be experienced in different parts of the country, Senior Meteorologist, Jonathan Chifuna told the ZBC News that various parts of the country might experience heavy flooding and urged Zimbabweans to exercise extreme caution.

"We warn people to be extra cautious as we predict upcoming floods which might be directly linked to the current wet spell," Chifuna said.

With the rains expected to continue, experts have called for the nation's civil protection unit to be on alert.

Recently, thirty five families in Chivi central were left homeless after a huge storm ripped across a village under headmen Madhlangove, destroying houses and properties worth tens of thousands of dollars.

Floods

Source: zbc