Civil Protection Unit on flood alert in Matabeleland South

The Civil Protection Unit in Matabeleland South says it is closely monitoring the situation in flood prone areas after the Meteorological Services Department warned that low lying areas should be on high alert.

With areas such as Chikwalakwala and Shashe in Beitbridge as well as the Madlambudzi and Mabongwane in Plumtree falling under the flood prone areas in Matabeleland South province, the CPU's Provincial Chairman, Mr. David Mpofu says apart from the Limpopo and Shashe Rivers in Beitbridge, most rivers are still far from overflowing.

Mr. Mpofu said, "Provincial teams are on high alert in ensuring that human life and property is protected in the event of the flooding."

This comes as reports across the border say the death toll from torrential rain in South Africa has reached 70, with another 8,000 people displaced.

Meanwhile, the Provincial Police Spokesperson, Inspector Tafanana Dzirutwe, says there have been 14 incidents of drowning in the province since the onset of the rainy season.

Inspector Dzirutwe warned the public particularly school children and border jumpers against attempting to cross flooded rivers as they risk drowning.