IOM continues to provide support to Government of Zimbabwe as well as the individuals and communities affected by crisis, and to actively contribute to the efforts of the international community to identify ways to more effectively address future humanitarian challenges related to natural hazards and conflicts.

IOM activities in Zimbabwe include strengthening core capacities for public health measures at points of entry (PoEs) and to provide critical services to returning migrants.

As of the 11 of January 2021, Zimbabwe recorded 21,477 cases of COVID-19 and 507 deaths.

MASVINGO

Heavy rains on 7 January 2020 and subsequent burst at Gungwa Pumphouse resulted in overspill at Mutirikwi Dam in Masvingo. This resulted in flash floods downstream in Chiredzi ward 16.

Two families in Chiredzi ward 16 with a total of 8 members were marooned. Four members of one family made it to higher ground while the other two members were swept away.

Two members of the other family were both swept away, a mother and her 11-month-old baby. The marooned were rescued on 8 January 2020 and are currently at Calisaunders Hospital in Triangle where they are receiving treatment and counselling.

Due to the trauma experienced in witnessing other family members, including their mother being swept away, the bereaved family needs psychological support as a fundamental need.

Given that the mother was a breadwinner, other notable needs to this family include Food and Non-food Items.

On another note, one house in ward 28 was destroyed by the heavy rains. Fortunately, the local community initiative was on call to assist.

The affected household received 2 tents and building assistance from the local community.

The District Civil Protection Committee (DCPC) has resolved to conduct a comprehensive infrastructure damage assessment.

BEITBRIDGE

A picture containing outdoor, building, sky, ground Description automatically generatedToday (11 January 2020),

IOM in collaboration with the Ministry of Information and Publicity, Ministry of Health and Childcare, Zimbabwe Republic Police and District Development Council conducted Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) awareness campaigns on COVID-19 in 8 congregation areas (bus stations, marketplaces, and shopping areas) in Beitbridge urban reaching more than 1000 individuals.

As of today, there are currently 71 (55 males and 18 females) individuals at Beitbridge isolation center who tested positive for COVID-19, 59 of whom are local cases referred from the district hospital.

On 10 January 2020, 70 self-repatriating migrants (69 Male Adults, 5 Male Minors, 88 Risk Communication and Community Engagement in Beitbridge –

11 January 2020

Female Adults and 8 Female Minors) passed through the border post in 14 buses, they all had valid COVID-19 free results and were processed to go home.

From 09 January 2021 at 0600 hrs to 10 January 2021 at 0600 hrs a total of 362 truck drivers (all males) were entry screened at Port Health with the support of IOM.

During the same period, a total of 422 (283 males and 139 females) pedestrians were also screened on both entry and exit,