22 April 2022 – by Earth Refuge Correspondent Samantha Chinyoka
In this interview, correspondent Samantha Chinyoka speaks with Carlos Mugumira from Zimbabwe. Carlos shares his experiences as a survivor of the horrendous Cyclone Idai that hit Zimbabwe in 2019. The UN reported 602 deaths with many more people still missing. By the time, Carlos was working on electrical installations in the Chimanimani area, which was greatly affected by the cyclone. He narrates how events unfolded, the impact the cyclone had on his life, and the lessons learnt from this extreme weather event.
In conclusion to sharing his personal experiences, Carlos highlights the need for intersectoral cooperation to better prepare for such events, to well-educate and conscientize the communities on climate change, and the need for government action for climate adaptation and resilience.
“The warnings did not fully explain the intensity and danger of the cyclon. The government needs to spread information and raise awareness on climate change, especially in rural areas were not many people are educated. They need to engage and collaborate with those who study weather patterns for accurate information on the potential dangers and put more stringent measures to evacuate people before such tragic events occur.”
Carlos Mugumira is a qualified Class 1 Electrician who holds a National Certificate in Electrical Engineering and a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Physics. His full time job mainly involves solar power system installations and maintenance. He is also a part time small-scale farmer.
