News / National
Zimbabwe at risk of possible flash flooding
02 Feb 2014 at 08:58hrs | Views
THE Meteorological Services Department has reiterated that Zimbabwe is at risk of possible flash flooding following incessant rains in various parts of the country over the past few days.
Mr Tich Zinyemba, the head of Public Weather Service in the Meteorological Services Department, told Sunday News that people should be ready for flash floods.
"Indications in the weather are that heavy rain will occur therefore the risk of flash flooding remains high. Already the ground is soaked, so any runoff that occurs might trigger flooding in vleis and poorly drained soils," he said.
He said the wet weather was set to prevail across the country and the public should be on alert.
A flash flood is rapid flooding of low-lying areas such as washes, rivers, dry lakes and basins. It may be caused by heavy rain associated with a severe thunderstorm, hurricanes and tropical storms.
Flash flooding occurs when precipitation falls rapidly on saturated soil or dry soil that has poor absorption ability. The runoff collects in gullies and streams and, as they join to form larger volumes, often forms a fast flowing front of water and debris. Mr Zinyemba said traditional flood prone areas in the country would be at heightened risk, consequently all necessary measures should be taken to reduce loss of life and property.
"The public is urged to liaise with community leaders, local police and other agencies that deal with disaster risk reduction whenever they encounter unforeseen circumstances that are potentially life threatening," he said.
What makes flash floods most dangerous is their sudden nature and fast moving water. A vehicle provides little to no protection against being swept away, it may make people overconfident and less likely to avoid the flash flood.
More than half of the fatalities attributed to flash floods are people swept away in vehicles when trying to cross flooded intersections. Meanwhile, people should not attempt to cross on foot streams and rivers which are flooded.
The Met Department says the period between 27 and 31 January was characterised by very unstable weather conditions that gave rise to copious rain across the country.
Some of the notable rainfall measurements at Met stations last Friday were Kezi 89 millimetres, Chipinge 78mm, Marondera 77mm, Chivhu 67mm, Banket 80mm, Masvingo 60mm and Mhondoro 56mm.
The weather experts are on record saying the expected thunderstorms have the potential of large hail and damaging winds as temperatures have been high. They also say all outdoor activities have to be planned with the weather in mind.
They further advise people not to take shelter under trees during a thunderstorm as there is increased risk of being struck by lightning. There is danger of electricity poles falling, thus increasing the risk of electrocution when the cables are handled carelessly.
The outlook for the coming week up to 7 February is as follows: Zaka and Rupike 58mm, Kezi 56mm, Henderson 44mm, Joshua Mqabuko International Airport 43mm, Mhondoro 42mm, Kadoma 29mm and West Nicholson 24mm.
"Indications in the weather are that heavy rain will occur therefore the risk of flash flooding remains high. Already the ground is soaked, so any runoff that occurs might trigger flooding in vleis and poorly drained soils," he said.
He said the wet weather was set to prevail across the country and the public should be on alert.
A flash flood is rapid flooding of low-lying areas such as washes, rivers, dry lakes and basins. It may be caused by heavy rain associated with a severe thunderstorm, hurricanes and tropical storms.
Flash flooding occurs when precipitation falls rapidly on saturated soil or dry soil that has poor absorption ability. The runoff collects in gullies and streams and, as they join to form larger volumes, often forms a fast flowing front of water and debris. Mr Zinyemba said traditional flood prone areas in the country would be at heightened risk, consequently all necessary measures should be taken to reduce loss of life and property.
"The public is urged to liaise with community leaders, local police and other agencies that deal with disaster risk reduction whenever they encounter unforeseen circumstances that are potentially life threatening," he said.
What makes flash floods most dangerous is their sudden nature and fast moving water. A vehicle provides little to no protection against being swept away, it may make people overconfident and less likely to avoid the flash flood.
More than half of the fatalities attributed to flash floods are people swept away in vehicles when trying to cross flooded intersections. Meanwhile, people should not attempt to cross on foot streams and rivers which are flooded.
The Met Department says the period between 27 and 31 January was characterised by very unstable weather conditions that gave rise to copious rain across the country.
Some of the notable rainfall measurements at Met stations last Friday were Kezi 89 millimetres, Chipinge 78mm, Marondera 77mm, Chivhu 67mm, Banket 80mm, Masvingo 60mm and Mhondoro 56mm.
The weather experts are on record saying the expected thunderstorms have the potential of large hail and damaging winds as temperatures have been high. They also say all outdoor activities have to be planned with the weather in mind.
They further advise people not to take shelter under trees during a thunderstorm as there is increased risk of being struck by lightning. There is danger of electricity poles falling, thus increasing the risk of electrocution when the cables are handled carelessly.
The outlook for the coming week up to 7 February is as follows: Zaka and Rupike 58mm, Kezi 56mm, Henderson 44mm, Joshua Mqabuko International Airport 43mm, Mhondoro 42mm, Kadoma 29mm and West Nicholson 24mm.
Source - Sunday News
