Raging floods destroy houses in Zambia

Elias Mbao in Africa Review: Heavy rains have destroyed over 200 houses in Zambia’s Kitwe town, north of the capital, leaving hundreds of people homeless. Houses, vehicles, church buildings, commercial properties and roads were extensively damaged in the mineral-rich Kitwe town – about 350 km north of the capital, Lusaka.

“Most of our people are homeless. In areas I visited, people are just covering their homes with plastics and tents,” said Mr Elias Kamanga, mayor of Kitwe. The actual value of damage has not been determined. The head of government in the area said the “calamity was not anticipated” and the most affected were colleges and houses.

…Beginning March 2009, Angola, Zambia and Namibia have faced some of the worst flooding incidents in fourty years. According to weather experts, thee floods that have displaced hundreds are caused by climate change. Last February, hundreds of Zambians had to be rescued from the country's capital, especiall;y after cholera outbreak hit….