Floods claim first victims in Zimbabwe

Three children have drowned in Masvingo, while seven people had to be rescued by the police Sub aqua unit when they were marooned by floods in the province.

The incident comes a day after the Meteorological department said the country was on a high floods alert.

National police spokesperson Chief Superintendent Paul Nyathi confirmed the incidents yesterday He said police had retrieved two of the bodies of the three children. He warned members of the public against crossing, swimming and fishing from flooded water bodies.

"Three children aged 9, 10 and 14 years drowned in a flooded Mushawiri Dam, in Gutu, Masvingo while swimming on December 30, 2013. Two of the bodies have since been retrieved by the police sub aqua unit while the remaining body is yet to be retrieved," said Chief Supt Nyathi.

He said seven people who had been marooned on an island along the Tugwe river, Chivi, in Masvingo on December 30, 2013 have been rescued by the police sub aqua unit.

"Two of the seven were herding cattle along the river and the other five were fishing when the river suddenly became flooded." Chief Supt Nyathi appealed to members of the public not to attempt crossing flooded rivers.

"It has come to our attention that the country is likely to experience an increase in rains in the coming weeks leading to flash floods.

"We therefore appeal to the general populace to avoid crossing, swimming and fishing on flooded water bodies as they may get marooned or drown," he said.

Chief Supt Nyathi appealed to people living in low lying areas to take precautionary measures by moving to higher grounds during periods of floods.

"Early reportage of flash floods to the police is vital so that the Civil Protection Unit (CPU) is alerted on time.

"I would also like to advise the public to take shelter in appropriate places when it starts to rain, to avoid being struck by lightning," said Chief Supt Nyathi.

With the heavy rains persisting, low lying areas such as Tsholotsho, Beitbridge, Gokwe and Muzarabani are likely to experience flooding.

These areas have in the past years experienced flooding, which resulted in destruction of homesteads, roads and schools and loss of life.

Meanwhile, the Civil Protection Unit (CPU) director, Pawadyira Madzudzo said his organisation was prepared to assist communities in the event of flooding.

In a statement yesterday, senior meteorological officer Jonathan Chifuna said "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."

By early January in 2013, 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.