Zimbabwe on high flood alert

The Meteorological Services Department has issued a countrywide flood alert, following forecasts of heavy rains from 31 December to 6 January.

In a statement, senior meteorological officer Jonathan Chifuna warned that torrential rains, exceeding 100 mm for the period are expected in most parts of Zimbabwe.

"Wet conditions should be experienced across the country throughout the entire forecast period. Heavy falls (in excess of 50mm in 24hrs) should be expected in most parts of the country. These rains are associated with the ITCZ which is now affecting the country. As a result of the expected precipitation, there is potential for flooding in low lying areas. There is also the danger of flash floods in some areas. Therefore the public is advised not to attempt to cross flooded streams or rivers," said Chifuna.

He said people living in low lying areas that include most parts of Tsholotsho, Beitbridge, Kezi and others that have experienced flooding before, should quickly move to higher land at the first sign of flooding.

In an interview, the Civil Protection Unit (CPU) director, Madzudzo Pawadyira said communities flood prone areas had had been trained on flood response drills. He said in the last two months, the CPU went into communities, particularly those in low-lying areas and educated them on how to rescue each other during floods.

"This year we have been assisted with funds by our partners and hopes are high that with more funds, the department would be able to cover more areas. With the groundwork that has been done so far, we also expect fewer fatalities from flooding," said Pawadyira.

By early January this year, soon after the beginning of the rainy season, 86 people had drowned while 38 others were struck by lightning across the country. Heavy rains also destroyed 180 houses in Tsholotsho, leaving most of the families homeless.

In Beitbridge district, the rains caused widespread damage to roads leaving some areas impassable.