§ Mr. WorthingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what has been the impact of flooding in south-eastern Zimbabwe; and what action the Overseas Development Administration has taken in the area.
§ Mr. Lennox-Boyd[holding answer 23 October 1992]: Localised flooding occurred over the weekend of 17–18 October due to violent thunderstorms in part of Zaka and Bikita Districts of Masvingo Province. According to reports received so far, one person was killed by lightning and severe structural and other damage sustained to a number of buildings, including schools. The Zimbabwean authorities have advised us that they are to await detailed damage reports before considering whether any external assistance is needed. The area is one which has been particularly affected by the drought in the region and where we have been assisting with emergency drought relief. As a result of the storms, a number of dams are now filled to capacity.