3.7. However, the supply chain into the affected communities was problematic as it lacked clear accountability mechanisms. There was lack of clarity and coordination in the aid distribution process. For example, at Ngangu Secondary School and Machonjwe Shopping Centre distribution points, ZHRC observed that there were different registration and distribution procedures that were being used. As a result there were different versions of distribution lists for the same location. This had the effect of opening up the process to manipulation by some local leaders including politicians, and other influential individuals, resulting in the intended beneficiaries losing out along partisan, nepotistic and other affiliation grounds. 3.8. The distribution lists were not informed by a proper needs assessment of the situation for affected families. Therefore more needy cases were treated the same way with those that were in a better situation. In fact some of the hardest hit families were grieving and in shock and could hardly assert their demands for assistance. This contradicted the official position with regards to the prioritisation hierarchy of beneficiaries where the worst affected were supposed to be given first priority. 3.9. To rescue the situation, coordination meetings chaired by the Department of Civil protection were being conducted in the two Districts. Continuous efforts were being made by government and non-state actors to distribute aid including food, tents, blankets, clothes, toiletries, mosquito nets, medicines and sanitary ware. Such coordination, everything else being equal, should have been cascaded to the community level distribution points. 3.10. Some schools in the affected districts were directed by government to close before the school term ends. This was necessitated by the direct effects of the disaster on pupils, teachers and the school infrastructure. Whilst there is a setback on learning by the affected children, the decision is commendable to allow adequate attention to the more urgent needs of the learners, teachers, and their families. The learning time lost was going to be compensated through earlier opening of the affected schools in the next term or any other measures taken by the education authorities. 3.11. In terms of shelter the affected families were staying in public facilities like churches, schools, and makeshift facilities at Chimanimani Hotel as already 5