21 rainfall-related deaths recorded

Sunday Mail Reporter

AT LEAST 21 deaths have been recorded due to flooding and other rain-related incidents since the start of the 2024/2025 rainy season, the Department of Civil Protection (DCP) has said.

Schoolchildren who attempted to cross flooded rivers make up the bulk of the fatalities. The adverse weather has also affected at least 877 households.

In an interview with The Sunday Mail, the chief director of the DCP, Mr Nathan Nkomo, said: “More than US$142 385 60 has been channelled to disasters, as 877 households were affected, whilst 21 deaths were recorded. Six people have been injured. Thirty-eight buildings have been destroyed. Also, 121 schools and 13 health facilities have been damaged.”

According to a schedule provided by the DCP, two boys drowned on Friday in flooded chrome mine pits in Zvishavane, near Lundi River, in Midlands province. Also, in Midlands’ Chirumanzu district, five people were marooned in Shashe River, with two managing to escape whilst the other three climbed a tree for safety.

Mr Nkomo said in Mberengwa, a heavy storm left a trail of destruction at Muponjane Primary School on January 11, 2025.

In Mashonaland Central, five major rivers — Musengezi, Mwazamutanda, Dande, Hunyani and Angwa — in Mbire district were flooded on January 11, 2025. The rains also resulted in the destruction of crops and property in most parts of the district.

“Regrettably, four drownings were recorded and the community members recovered three bodies, while one is yet to be found. A police report was made by the DDC to Sub-Aqua police for search and rescue,” added Mr Nkomo.

He also said in Bindura, the capital of Mashonaland Central province, a storm left a trail of destruction at Avonda Farm, affecting at least 11 households, with one death recorded due to lightning, which also killed some cattle.

Lightning also caused the death of an elderly woman and 12 head of cattle in Bikita, Masvingo province.

Mashonaland East and Mashonaland West have each recorded three deaths from rainfall-related disasters, whilst Masvingo and Manicaland have four and two fatalities, respectively.

In Bulawayo Metropolitan province, Cowdray Park was hit by flash floods following downpours on January 7.

“A total of 85 houses were affected in Cowdray Park, 36 in Esigodweni and 49 in Mpompini. The flash flooding resulted in significant damage to houses and household property,” said Mr Nkomo.

“Furthermore, Sizinda, Harrisvale and Richmond were also affected . . . The areas were affected by a severe storm on January 15. As an intervention, the Provincial Civil Committee managed to avail tents and covered blown-off roofs.”

In Umguza district, Matabeleland North, on December 12, a 17-year-old man lost his life underground after a mine collapsed following heavy rains. In Bulilima district, Matabeleland South, many roads have become unnavigable for vehicles as several bridges have been damaged by the heavy rains.

The DCP, Mr Nkomo said, has received 600 tents from the International Organisation for Migration, among other donations, in response to various distress calls around the country.

“The tents will be distributed to the most vulnerable provinces. The department has since received 30 tonnes of rice from the Department of Social Development to assist affected households during this rainfall season.”