{"id":2608,"date":"2021-12-08T09:55:06","date_gmt":"2021-12-08T07:55:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pamarah.com\/?p=2608"},"modified":"2021-12-08T13:30:15","modified_gmt":"2021-12-08T11:30:15","slug":"chapter-7-navigating-the-storm","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pamarah.com\/blog\/chapter-7-navigating-the-storm\/","title":{"rendered":"CHAPTER 7: Navigating the storm"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

People often use the phrase \u201ceye of the storm\u201d. It\u2019s a term that defines part of a hurricane [or cyclone]. It\u2019s that small zone of calm in the midst of chaos, ferocious rains and battering destruction. The wall of winds that swirl around this quiet respite are the polar opposite of this eye.<\/em> (extract from Science News for Students by Matthew Cappucci)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We were living and working on the Pamarah construction site in order to save money on rent. We had built a makeshift wall out of old roof sheets for privacy around our cottage (now rooms 8, 9 and 10<\/em><\/strong><\/a>) but it didn\u2019t do much to keep the constant noise and dust out. We were being worn down by the stress of it all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Living and working on the construction site had its physical and emotional challenges<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Fortune smiled on us when a rental home became available in January 2019 and we quickly relocated, along with the old roof sheets to shield us from our new neighbor. Our new home was only 200 meters away from the lodge. We did multiple site visits by foot every day until we wore a path between our home and the lodge. On the odd occasion we were joined on the road by a warthog brigade which was foraging in the area! It was therapeutic to have a space of our own again that we could call home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Reuse and recycle what you have \u2013 old roof sheets from the lodge provided some privacy for our new home<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
 The sanctuary of our new home away from the rubble<\/em> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
The city of Victoria Falls is established within the Zambezi National Park<\/strong><\/a>. Along with these warthogs, we have also seen buffalo and elephant walking down our road!<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

In March 2019, southern Africa was hit by tropical cyclone Idai, rated amongst the worst ever experienced in the continent.  The cyclone pummeled the Eastern parts of Zimbabwe, mainly Chimanimani and parts of Chipinge on the night of 15th<\/sup> March. Heavy rains continued to 20th<\/sup> March, hampering all rescue efforts. The storm affected more than 270 000 people, leaving 371 dead and many others missing. 17 608 households were left homeless. 584km of roads were damaged by landslides and bridges were swept away. (source: International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, Final Report 25 August 2020).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Helicopter relief arrives in Zimbabwe for Cyclone Idai
Photo credit: Halsted Aviation<\/a>\/Ace Air & Ambulance<\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Emergency supplies being offloaded in a remote location, Chimanimani
Photo credit: Halsted Aviation<\/a>\/Ace Air & Ambulance<\/a><\/strong>
<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Daily helicopter relief draws large crowds in the remote regions of Chimanimani
Photo credit: Halsted Aviation<\/a>\/Ace Air & Ambulance<\/a><\/strong>
<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
One of the cadaver dogs used for search and rescue
Photo credit: Keith Sparks
<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Search and rescue helicopter
Photo credit: Halsted Aviation<\/a> \/Ace Air & Ambulance<\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

My diary entry on 20th<\/sup> March 2019, which happened to be our wedding anniversary, records the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCyclone Idai has caused the largest humanitarian disaster in Zimbabwean history \u2026 our country is totally unprepared and ill-equipped to deal with a crisis of this magnitude. My husband has been put in charge of mobilizing a fleet of helicopters and fixed wing aircraft (on behalf of Econet who he works for) to the worst affected areas in Chimanimani\/Chipinge in the Eastern Highlands of the country. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Besides the aviation brief, he has also been involved in sourcing blankets, boats, life rafts, rafting experts, 4×4\u2019s, drones, JetA1 fuel, and diesel delivery trucks. Phil is a professional pilot, and by no means a crisis management specialist, but over the past 72 hours he has conducted himself with quiet dignity, calm and respect for the many, many people he has spoken to on the phone, all done with minimal sleep from his desk in Victoria Falls on the opposite side of the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Phil behind his desk in VF working logistics for Cyclone Idai 24\/7
<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
A rare moment to sit and reflect on the huge loss of life on the other side of the country
<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Today we put our 26th<\/sup> wedding anniversary celebrations on hold until the storm passes. We salute the pilots and rescue teams in the air and on the ground out there, and think of precious lives lost and lives still in the balance in Zimbabwe, Malawi and Mozambique \u2026 but for now, you are my absolute, one and only hero of the day Phil Scott-Riddell.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Construction work continued in the background at the lodge, but it was secondary to the task at hand. We were encouraged and deeply humbled by our fellow Zimbabweans, who collectively joined hands in a massive and admirable nationwide effort to help the rescue efforts for a country devastated by the cyclone. We met some amazing people who we are still friends with to this day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This post is dedicated to the all the unsung heros, the victims, and the families of Cyclone Idai.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Photo credit: Halsted Aviation<\/a>\/Ace Air & Ambulance<\/a><\/em><\/strong>
<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

People often use the phrase \u201ceye of the storm\u201d. It\u2019s a term that defines part of a hurricane [or cyclone]. It\u2019s that small zone of calm in the midst of chaos, ferocious rains and battering destruction. The wall of winds that swirl around this quiet respite are the polar opposite of this eye. 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