Heavy rains damage homes, flood school in Bulawayo

Heavy rains that swept across several high-density suburbs in Bulawayo have damaged homes and flooded a local school, forcing affected families to count their losses as the rainy season continues.

Bulawayo's Chief Fire Officer, Mr Mhlangano Moyo, said emergency teams were on the ground assessing the extent of the damage, which includes blown-off roofs at Sidojiwe Flats and flooding at Nzwananzi Primary School.

"I'm on the ground. We have blown-off roofs at Sidojiwe Flats and flooding at Nzwananzi Primary School," Mr Moyo said.

He said the affected areas include Luveve, Cowdray Park, Mpopoma and Nzwananzi. Since the beginning of the year, authorities have recorded one flood-related incident each in Cowdray Park, Mpopoma and Luveve.

At Sidojiwe Flats, Mr Moyo said the damage was more extensive.

"For Sidojiwe Flats, it's the top floor of Flat Number One, and it is affecting a number of families," he said.

The chief fire officer urged residents, particularly those in low-lying areas, to take practical steps to minimise the impact of flooding.

"These include opening weep holes or making simple openings to allow water to drain away instead of accumulating," he said. "Residents must also stay informed by monitoring weather forecasts and warnings, and understand the level of risk within their own homes."

Mr Moyo also advised residents to close windows during heavy rains to prevent water damage and to avoid crossing flooded streams or rivers.

"Flash floods can occur at any time without warning," he said. "If there is a possibility of flash flooding, people should move immediately to safe zones or higher ground, and ensure that leaking roofs are attended to before the rains intensify."