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Zimbabwe braces for heavy rains and flash floods
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The Meteorological Services Department (MSD) has cautioned that most parts of Zimbabwe will experience heavy rains, thunderstorms, and flash floods through Saturday. The public has been urged to avoid crossing flooded rivers as the risk of accidents and property damage escalates.
Meteorologists have forecast rainfall exceeding 50 millimetres (mm) within 24 hours across several regions. The MSD highlighted that even shallow water levels, as low as 30 centimetres, can sweep away vehicles, underscoring the dangers posed by the anticipated downpours.
In its latest advisory, the MSD attributed the persistent rainfall to abundant moisture brought by a cloud system, which has affected the country since late December 2024. The rainfall is expected to intensify in areas such as Matabeleland North, the northern Midlands, Harare Metropolitan, northern Manicaland, and all Mashonaland Provinces between January 5 and 8. Additional moisture from the southeast coast of Southern Africa is predicted to bring cloudy, windy, and cold conditions over Matabeleland South, Masvingo, and Manicaland.
The rains are forecast to be heaviest on Friday, particularly in parts of Mashonaland West, Mashonaland East, and Harare Metropolitan Provinces, where rainfall could exceed 50mm in 24 hours. The MSD warned that flooding could occur even in areas not directly affected by heavy rainfall, as water from upstream regions could inundate low-lying areas. Strong winds accompanying the storms could also result in falling trees, collapsed billboards, and damaged rooftops.
Tragic incidents have already been recorded this rainy season. On December 23, a bus attempting to cross the flooded Mletshane River in Gwanda District missed a submerged bridge and was swept away. One passenger died in the accident, and a three-month-old baby remains missing. Last week, two individuals drowned in Lupane, Matabeleland North, while attempting to cross the flooded Tshangane River.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi emphasized the need for heightened vigilance during this period. He urged parents to ensure children stay away from water bodies, trenches, and rivers to prevent drowning. Motorists and pedestrians were also advised against attempting to cross flooded rivers or submerged bridges, warning that such actions could have fatal consequences.
The police have indicated plans to conduct awareness campaigns with stakeholders to promote safety during the rainy season. However, Commissioner Nyathi stressed that individual responsibility remains critical to preventing loss of life and property damage.
While the rains offer a much-needed boost to agriculture and contribute to rising dam levels, especially in areas like Bulawayo where residents face acute water shortages, the MSD has cautioned communities to remain alert to the associated risks. The rains, which bring hope for some, also carry significant challenges, underscoring the need for preparedness and caution.
Meteorologists have forecast rainfall exceeding 50 millimetres (mm) within 24 hours across several regions. The MSD highlighted that even shallow water levels, as low as 30 centimetres, can sweep away vehicles, underscoring the dangers posed by the anticipated downpours.
In its latest advisory, the MSD attributed the persistent rainfall to abundant moisture brought by a cloud system, which has affected the country since late December 2024. The rainfall is expected to intensify in areas such as Matabeleland North, the northern Midlands, Harare Metropolitan, northern Manicaland, and all Mashonaland Provinces between January 5 and 8. Additional moisture from the southeast coast of Southern Africa is predicted to bring cloudy, windy, and cold conditions over Matabeleland South, Masvingo, and Manicaland.
The rains are forecast to be heaviest on Friday, particularly in parts of Mashonaland West, Mashonaland East, and Harare Metropolitan Provinces, where rainfall could exceed 50mm in 24 hours. The MSD warned that flooding could occur even in areas not directly affected by heavy rainfall, as water from upstream regions could inundate low-lying areas. Strong winds accompanying the storms could also result in falling trees, collapsed billboards, and damaged rooftops.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi emphasized the need for heightened vigilance during this period. He urged parents to ensure children stay away from water bodies, trenches, and rivers to prevent drowning. Motorists and pedestrians were also advised against attempting to cross flooded rivers or submerged bridges, warning that such actions could have fatal consequences.
The police have indicated plans to conduct awareness campaigns with stakeholders to promote safety during the rainy season. However, Commissioner Nyathi stressed that individual responsibility remains critical to preventing loss of life and property damage.
While the rains offer a much-needed boost to agriculture and contribute to rising dam levels, especially in areas like Bulawayo where residents face acute water shortages, the MSD has cautioned communities to remain alert to the associated risks. The rains, which bring hope for some, also carry significant challenges, underscoring the need for preparedness and caution.
Source - The Chronicle
