News / National
Mtshabezi River overflows as prison gardens swept away
1 hr ago |
137 Views
The Mtshabezi River has overflowed at the Mtshabezi Bridge along Blanket Mine Road, with water levels surpassing previous records and continuing to rise following heavy rains that pounded Gwanda district and surrounding areas.
The Civil Protection Unit (CPU) has issued an alert warning the public about the dangerous state of the river.
“The powerful flow has destroyed the low‑hanging makeshift bridge and the second makeshift footbridge near the prison camp at Hamden Plots,” the CPU said.
“The gardens at Prisons have since been swept away. Several properties along the river are affected and we are still assessing the damage. Civil Protection is on the ground assessing the situation.”
The CPU emphasised that the flooding is a result of heavy rainfall and not the opening of Dondoriyo Dam.
“We are activating alerts for communities downstream of the Tuli, Mtshabezi and Mzingwane rivers. All dams are full, with Mayfair Dam expected to overflow by today or tomorrow,” the CPU said.
Residents have been warned to stay away from rivers and to vacate homes in flood‑prone areas.
“Reports indicate a possible drowning at Dondoriyo Dam; CPU is investigating. Additionally, reports from Blanket Mine Farm at Dunbuck Mine indicate miners were swept away by floodwaters, with survivors stranded in trees. Authorities are investigating,” the CPU added.
The Civil Protection Unit (CPU) has issued an alert warning the public about the dangerous state of the river.
“The powerful flow has destroyed the low‑hanging makeshift bridge and the second makeshift footbridge near the prison camp at Hamden Plots,” the CPU said.
“The gardens at Prisons have since been swept away. Several properties along the river are affected and we are still assessing the damage. Civil Protection is on the ground assessing the situation.”
The CPU emphasised that the flooding is a result of heavy rainfall and not the opening of Dondoriyo Dam.
“We are activating alerts for communities downstream of the Tuli, Mtshabezi and Mzingwane rivers. All dams are full, with Mayfair Dam expected to overflow by today or tomorrow,” the CPU said.
Residents have been warned to stay away from rivers and to vacate homes in flood‑prone areas.
“Reports indicate a possible drowning at Dondoriyo Dam; CPU is investigating. Additionally, reports from Blanket Mine Farm at Dunbuck Mine indicate miners were swept away by floodwaters, with survivors stranded in trees. Authorities are investigating,” the CPU added.
Source - Byo24news
Join the discussion
Loading comments…
