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HARARE, Zimbabwe (AP) - The Zimbabwean government is appealing for $20 million from international donors to evacuate and relocate 60,000 people living downstream of a dam in Masvingo province amid fears that the dam is likely to collapse.
State media reported Wednesday that local government Minister Ignatius Chombo said the money will be used to provide shelter, food and pay for the hire of helicopters ferrying stranded villagers living in the Tokwe-Mukosi Dam flood basin.
The state-run Herald reported that at least two people have died in the floods and 49 are marooned and need urgent evacuation.
Continuous heavy downpours countrywide have affected the dam. Images in the state media show the dam wall is leaking and fears are that if it bursts, an 18-meter wall of water could come gushing downstream.
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