Heavy rains have an alarming increase in drowning cases

THE heavy rains being experienced in various parts of the country have seen an alarming rise in drowning cases and rainfall incidents as people attempt to cross flooded rivers and their homes get ravaged by flash floods.

Recently, an eight-year-old boy drowned while fishing with his 10-year-old brother in a flooded Nhomela River in Plumtree.

In Esigodini, a 42-year-old man who was allegedly drunk drowned while attempting to cross a flooded river.

In Chiredzi, six people drowned after a truck they were travelling in was swept away by a flooded river.

According to police, at least 48 people have died so far from drowning while 12 have been injured throughout the country as a result of rainfall incidents.

The Civil Protection Unit (CPU) said 621 households were destroyed leaving people homeless while the destruction of schools has left scores of children stranded.

Reported incidents indicate that 12 households were destroyed in Bulilima District in Matabeleland South province, six in Mangwe in the same province, seven in Mutasa, eight in Buhera, 16 in Mutare (all in Manicaland) and 31 in Guruve in Mashonaland Central province.

At least 23 schools in different provinces were also destroyed.

Matabeleland South police spokesperson Inspector Philisani Ndebele warned people to stay away from water bodies as they risk drowning or being swept away. "It's not children only who are drowning; we also have the elderly being swept away while crossing flooded rivers," said Insp Ndebele.

Police are on record as warning motorists to desist from crossing flooded rivers and bridges as they risk being swept away.

Insp Ndebele expressed concern over the escalating number of drowning incidents saying members of the public do not heed warnings to desist from crossing flooded rivers or for children not to play near unsecured water bodies.

"Parents should always monitor their children and warn them not to play near water bodies," he said.

The CPU has embarked on various awareness campaigns to continuously remind members of the public of the importance of water safety.

It has urged people to make an effort to understand their local weather patterns and nature of hazards that can affect their area.

The CPU encourages members of the public to prevent drowning by supervising children at play near water bodies and to never attempt to cross flooded rivers whether walking or driving.

According to the CPU, floods regularly cause damage in Zimbabwe's low lying areas such as Muzarabani, Tshotsholo and the Lowveld – that is why people living in those areas are urged to move to higher ground if their homes are near rivers, on low lying areas and on wetlands.

Chief Hobodo of Hobodo area in Mangwe District where a significant number of drowning cases have been recorded said dilapidated bridges and inadequate crossing points have made it close to impossible for vehicles to navigate past flooded rivers.

"We've a number of people of all ages who drown during the rainy season because of the inexistence of proper crossing points at our rivers. Some of the bridges are dilapidated and don't serve their purpose thereby making it difficult for vehicles to get across," said Chief Hobodo.

He said due to the heavy rains being received in the area at the moment, members of the public are encouraged not to underestimate water levels in water bodies as this has resulted in drowning incidents.

National Police spokesperson Senior Assistant Commissioner Charity Charamba said due to the rise in the number of drowning cases during the rainy season, members of the public are urged to exercise caution when crossing rivers.

"It's disturbing to note that some people are swept away while trying to cross flooded rivers. Some will be casting fishing nets while some parents leave infants near uncovered buckets of water and unprotected wells thereby increasing the vulnerability of children," said Snr Asst Comm Charamba.

She also warned of the increased risk of being attacked by crocodiles.

"Travelling while it is raining or hiding behind objects and under trees is discouraged as people risk being struck by lightning," said Snr Asst Comm Charamba.