Zimbabwe battles intense heatwave as temperatures hit record highs

Zimbabwe is enduring a severe heatwave, with temperatures soaring to unprecedented levels, particularly in areas like Beitbridge, Lupane, Gwanda, and Chiredzi, where the mercury has exceeded 40 degrees Celsius.

The oppressive heat has strained both people and animals, with residents turning to various coping strategies, including frequent dips in dams, consuming large quantities of water, and seeking shade under trees. Farmers, however, are struggling, as the intense heat and prolonged dry spell threaten their crops and livestock.

In Lupane's Sibanye Village, Sibangani Ncube braved the sweltering 39-degree heat on Friday afternoon by cooling off in the nearby Bubi/Lupane dam. Despite the dam's known crocodile population, Ncube and his 12-year-old nephew, Ntabiso, swam to escape the blistering conditions.

"Lupane is usually hot this time of year, but these temperatures are abnormal. I brought my livestock to drink water here while I cool off," said Ncube, who also brought his donkeys and cattle to quench their thirst.

In Daluka Village near St. Luke's Hospital, residents without access to dams rely on boreholes to sustain themselves and their livestock. Anele Ndlovu, along with his teenage friends, draws water daily for their cattle, a routine necessitated by the extreme heat.

Animals in the region are also adapting, often seen huddling under trees to escape the intense sun.

Gwanda, experiencing some of the highest temperatures, will peak at 43 degrees Celsius today and 41 degrees tomorrow. The mining town's residents have adopted strategies such as consuming cool beverages, using swimming pools, and staying indoors to manage the heat. However, wildlife, including baboons and monkeys, have taken to scavenging for water from residents' homes, turning taps or raiding stored water supplies to survive.

Victoria Falls, a hotspot for tourists, has also been impacted. Visitors, like an Australian tourist who resorted to covering his head with cloth, were seen carrying water bottles to combat the heat while exploring the iconic Victoria Falls Bridge.

In the Midlands Province, watermelons have become the go-to relief for many residents. Vendors along major highways have reported a surge in demand, with customers choosing the refreshing fruit over plain water. "People are buying more watermelons than anything else," said Rachel Takawira, a vendor along the Mvuma-Gweru Road.

The Deputy Minister of Health and Child Care, Sleiman Timios Kwidini, has advised citizens to stay hydrated and avoid excessive alcohol consumption, which can exacerbate dehydration.

The Meteorological Services Department (MSD) predicts temperatures of up to 44 degrees Celsius in Chiredzi and Gonarezhou National Park today, with slightly lower highs tomorrow. The MSD has also issued a warning for isolated thunderstorms in areas such as Bulawayo, Harare, and northern parts of the Midlands and Manicaland provinces, urging residents to secure rooftops and seek shelter during storms.

"When thunder roars, it is best to be indoors. Secure rooftops, especially in schools, as the rains may be accompanied by strong winds and hail in some areas," the MSD cautioned.

The prolonged heat has devastated crops, leaving farmers concerned about their harvests. Livestock, too, are at risk as water sources become scarce in some regions.

As Zimbabwe waits for relief from the heatwave, residents are finding innovative ways to adapt to the extreme weather, hoping for the rains to bring both cooler temperatures and much-needed water for agriculture.