Vehicle swept away by flooded Umzingwane river

Three people survived after the vehicle they were travelling in was swept away while attempting to cross the flooded Umzingwane River in the West Nicholson area early Sunday morning.

Gwanda District Civil Protection Committee chairperson Ms Nomathemba Ndlovu confirmed that the incident occurred at around 4AM on 15 February 2026.

"An Isuzu double cab vehicle was swept away by Umzingwane River, about 20 kilometres from the West Nicholson turn-off, at around 4:00 AM today, 15 February 2026. Three passengers — two of them a couple - managed to escape and walked approximately six kilometres to a nearby village, where they alerted community members," she said.

The matter was subsequently reported to the Civil Protection Committee.

Ms Ndlovu said the vehicle, together with all belongings inside, remains in the river. However, the water level has since receded. The survivors, who are from Reata Plots, are seeking assistance to retrieve their vehicle and secure transport.

She warned motorists and pedestrians against attempting to cross flooded rivers, particularly as heavy rains continue to affect most parts of the country.

"We caution the public to exercise extreme care as rivers are currently full due to heavy rainfall. Despite repeated warnings, some individuals are recklessly attempting to cross flooded rivers, putting their lives at risk," she said.

Ms Ndlovu urged members of the public to prioritise safety and wait for water levels to subside before attempting to cross.

Authorities continue to monitor river levels in the district as persistent rains raise the risk of further flooding incidents.