News / National
Flood warning for Matebeleland, Midlands provinces
18 Feb 2025 at 05:17hrs | Views
The Meteorological Services Department (MSD) has issued a warning for heavy rains exceeding 70 millimetres within 24 hours, set to affect the Matebeleland region and the Midlands from Wednesday, 19 February, until Thursday morning. The intense downpours are expected to cause flooding in flood-prone areas, with authorities urging caution for both the public and motorists.
According to the MSD, the rainstorm will begin to affect the western borders of the country, as a thick cloud system moves in from Botswana, bringing moisture from both the north-west and south-east. The weather agency predicts that provinces such as Matebeleland South, Bulawayo Metropolitan, the Midlands, and southern parts of Matebeleland North will experience heavy rainfall and strong winds.
The MSD further warned that flash floods could occur in vulnerable river basins, and the heavy rain may lead to slippery roads and reduced visibility, particularly in affected areas. As a result, motorists are urged to increase their braking distance to ensure safety on the roads.
The department also cautioned against the operation of machinery, including open trucks and tractors, as well as sheltering under trees during storms. The MSD highlighted that such actions can be dangerous, and lives have been lost in similar circumstances in the past.
In addition to the MSD's warnings, the Civil Protection Unit has urged the public to take necessary precautions to safeguard their lives and property during the storm. The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has also issued a directive, advising schools not to allow children to cross flooded rivers.
Permanent Secretary for Primary and Secondary Education, Mr. Moses Mhike, noted that disruptions in learning due to the rains are expected, and schools may extend the term or use weekends for catch-up lessons. "We are looking at strategies for making up for lost learning time, including possibly extending the term by an extra week or two, depending on the severity of the disruptions," said Mhike.
As the rains approach, authorities continue to advise the public to remain vigilant and follow safety guidelines to prevent accidents and ensure the well-being of all individuals during the storm.
According to the MSD, the rainstorm will begin to affect the western borders of the country, as a thick cloud system moves in from Botswana, bringing moisture from both the north-west and south-east. The weather agency predicts that provinces such as Matebeleland South, Bulawayo Metropolitan, the Midlands, and southern parts of Matebeleland North will experience heavy rainfall and strong winds.
The MSD further warned that flash floods could occur in vulnerable river basins, and the heavy rain may lead to slippery roads and reduced visibility, particularly in affected areas. As a result, motorists are urged to increase their braking distance to ensure safety on the roads.
In addition to the MSD's warnings, the Civil Protection Unit has urged the public to take necessary precautions to safeguard their lives and property during the storm. The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has also issued a directive, advising schools not to allow children to cross flooded rivers.
Permanent Secretary for Primary and Secondary Education, Mr. Moses Mhike, noted that disruptions in learning due to the rains are expected, and schools may extend the term or use weekends for catch-up lessons. "We are looking at strategies for making up for lost learning time, including possibly extending the term by an extra week or two, depending on the severity of the disruptions," said Mhike.
As the rains approach, authorities continue to advise the public to remain vigilant and follow safety guidelines to prevent accidents and ensure the well-being of all individuals during the storm.
Source - The Chronicle
