Floods: Elderly Victims Abandoned, CPU Missing?

The local Civil Protection Unit is no where to be seen — and has not made efforts to assess the effects of recent floods in the constituency. 

SEVERAL families in Bulilima and Mangwe districts around Plumtree town were displaced by cyclone induced floods which hit many parts of the country recently.

Although the public press is silent about the plight of flood victims in these areas, there is an indication that several of these victims, particularly the elderly members of the community are in dire need of help – particularly in terms of food since their little reserves were swept away by flood waters.

This citizen reporter visited one elderly woman in Marula – Mangwe constituency – whose home was engulfed by floods a week ago.

I'm hungry, says the elderly woman (Video: 1min 30sec)

In the video above the woman – who looks uncomfortably shy says she did not receive adequate support after her plight. Most critically, she says she is hungry.

Her situation is exacerbated by the fact that she has reached old age and even if there is food, no one would cook for her. 

We call upon responsible authorities, particularly the local Civil Protection Unit to confirm the number of affected families in the district and make efforts to provide the needed support.