Cyclone Idai has caused untold destruction to property and unprecedented loss of human life in Mozambique, Malawi and my home country Zimbabwe. The tropical cyclone hit most parts of the Eastern Highlands in Zimbabwe - Chimanimani, Mutare, Mutasa, Chipinge and Zimunya.
There are many fatalities.Homes, bridges, roads and other necessary infrastructure such as power lines were at the receiving end of the brunt force of the rains and gushing winds experienced from 15 March to around 17 March 2019. Most communities and settlements were marooned off from the rest of the world and thousands of people are suspected to have died in Mozambique and in Zimbabwe the death toll has reached 70 with over 100 people still missing.
Hope in the midst of despair
When the disaster struck our government was least prepared to deal with it but we, the people, rose up like an army. Hundreds of volunteers from across the country are now in the area helping the armed forces in locating the missing, opening up roads, transporting aid and of course burying the dead.
For those who have not been able to visit the affected areas, they are not sitting idle but thousands are donating money, fuel,food, clothes, blankets, water etc.
Even our Diaspora has even started a go-fund-me campaign to also lend a hand to the needy.
What we have learnt
A lot can be achieved when people are united. As for us google guides we have also realised the need to grow our community and continue to map our country as this is very important for future use as presently it has proved difficult to clearly identify affected areas as most are not on the map. There is also need for investment into more tech such as mapping drones etc to assist in pinpointing areas and mapping issues.