Geologists to investigate deep cracks of land, houses in Chikwawa

Authorities in Chikwawa are engaging experts to investigate the cause of ground cracks at Zimola village in the area of Traditional Authorities (T/A) Maseya in the district.

The villagers had a rude awakening on Thursday last week when huge cracks emerged on the ground causing sinking of land and affecting three houses in the process.

Confirming the development, district commissioner Lusizi Nhlane said they suspect there is an underground water movement on the affected stretch leading to the cracking and sinking of the land.

“We have not yet found out the cause, we are engaging geologists to do the actual investigation. But we suspect it is caused by underground water movement because it is an area with sandy loamy and loose soil,” he explained.

Nhlane ruled out any possibility of Napolo as is feared by locals in the affected area of about 1.5km radius.

However, this contradicts with findings from the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) which indicates that the deep cracking of the land and houses was caused by minor tremors experienced in the area.

“The report indicates that three houses were severely affected and the district council has recommended that the inhabitants [should] seek refuge to their relations pending the fixing of the houses,” said DoDMA spokesperson Chipiliro Khamula in an interview on Tuesday.

This comes days after heavy rains and stormy winds displaced 580 people in the same district.

Minister of Homeland Security Nicholas Dausi has since urged those who are living in disaster-prone areas to relocate, following Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services’ early warning of possible flooding.