Impacts of Cyclone Idai on Human Settlements in Zimbabwe

Adverse weather and natural disasters frequently ravage the world with severe loss of human lives, livestock and infrastructure. This book chapter analyses the impact of cyclone Idai on human settlements in Zimbabwe in March 2019. The impact of the cyclone was widely documented; however, its consequences on human settlements received little academic attention. The book chapter is based on empirical evidence collected in October 2019 from the Chimanimani and Chipinge districts using interviews, surveys and observations. Literature from government publications assisted in the triangulation of narratives from affected individuals. The data were analysed using variables on human settlements. Relevant themes flowing from the perceptions of the affected people were analysed to explain the impact of the cyclone. Findings revealed that the trail of destruction varied depending on location and types of human settlement structures. Human Settlements in low-lying sites such as valleys and water ways were the most affected. This book chapter recommends the need to improve site planning of human settlements and to make scientifically informed decisions using relevant technologies. Tried and tested planning and development techniques (including relocation) must be adopted to guarantee the safety of human settlements.