Death toll from rain-related incidents rises to 109 nationwide

The death toll from rain-related incidents in Zimbabwe has risen sharply to 109, up from 79 recorded last week, as persistent heavy rains continue to batter large parts of the country. The fatalities, caused by lightning strikes, drowning, and infrastructure collapse, underscore the intensifying humanitarian impact of the 2025/26 rainy season.

According to the latest Civil Protection Unit (CPU) situation report, a total of 8,295 households have been affected, with 334 homes destroyed and 236 schools damaged nationwide. Manicaland Province remains the hardest hit in terms of fatalities, recording 36 deaths, followed by Mashonaland West with 19 and Matabeleland South with 16. Harare Metropolitan Province has recorded the highest number of affected households at 5,093, followed by Matabeleland South with 1,600 and Manicaland with 510.

"Owing to the incessant rains, the Department of Civil Protection is overwhelmed with responses to incidents countrywide. The country has witnessed loss of lives, livelihoods and property, extensive infrastructure damage, incidents of drowning and marooning of people in flooded rivers, mine collapses, landslides and lightning strikes, among others," reads the CPU report.

The report noted that roads, bridges, schools, health facilities, irrigation schemes, farm dams, and residential properties have all suffered extensive damage, raising concerns over disrupted services, limited accessibility, and the impact on education and healthcare in hard-hit areas.

One of the deadliest recent incidents occurred in Insiza District, Matabeleland South, where nine people drowned after their vehicle was swept away while attempting to cross the Shangamtope River at Mulula Mtshingwe Resettlement Area, Ward 19. The bereaved families later received maize grain assistance from the district CPU committee.

In Beitbridge District, heavy rainfall over five days—from January 11 to 16—caused widespread destruction, affecting at least 114 people, particularly in remote rural communities. Areas such as Tshapongwe Village, Luthomboni, Tshibora, and Malala experienced significant loss of property, including food stocks, clothing, bedding, and kitchen utensils. The CPU attributed much of the damage to fragile rural infrastructure, noting that many homes constructed from unreinforced mud were particularly vulnerable to collapse during prolonged rainfall.

As the rainy season continues, the CPU has called for intensified public education and awareness campaigns on rainfall-related hazards through social media, mainstream media, and community radio stations. The department has also appealed for urgent mobilisation of tents, food, and non-food items to support affected communities.

Earlier this year, it was revealed that US$96.17 million is required to fully fund the implementation of the 2025/26 National Multi-Hazard Contingency Plan. To date, the CPU has received US$3 million and allocated US$30,000 per province for emergency response, along with 50 metric tonnes of maize grain per province.

The CPU is also coordinating humanitarian assistance beyond Zimbabwe's borders under ZimAid, supporting Malawi and Mozambique, both recently affected by severe flooding. At least 32,000 people were affected in Malawi, while Mozambique recorded 723,500 affected individuals and 124 deaths. The first consignment of aid for Malawi has already been dispatched, while Acting President Dr Kembo Mohadi officially handed over 300 metric tonnes of grain, medical supplies, timber, blankets, and other essential materials to Mozambique, received by Ambassador Carvalho Muaria.

The CPU continues to monitor conditions closely and urges communities to take precautions as the country faces ongoing rain-related hazards.