Floods in Zimbabwe killed 246 people and displaced around 2,000 since December 2016, government officials said on Friday. The Robert Mugabe-led government has announced a national disaster and requested for relief worth $100 million (approximately Rs 6,600 crore) from the international community.
Mugabe’s administration has, however, drawn criticism for celebrating the strongman’s birthday with festivities that cost an estimated $2 million, BBC reported. The celebrations were held on February 25.
Officials said the floods, preceded by a drought, caused major damage across the country. A statement by the government said around 2,000 had been rendered homeless, while another 1,500 had been described as “marooned”, despite air force personnel being involved in the rescue operations.
The government said around four million people needed food and water on a priority basis. It categorised 10 provinces in the south and west of the country as worst-affected. Five bridges have been washed away, while public buildings, including 74 schools, have been damaged severely, officials said.
Water burst through 70 dams while 85% of the country’s dams have been reported to have reached their capacity.
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