Online Reporter
Zimpapers Writer
THE Bulawayo City Council (BCC) has issued an urgent public safety warning following heavy rains that battered the city from early Monday morning, leaving several residential areas, schools and roads flooded, and exposing serious sanitation and safety risks.
In a series of public awareness notices, the council urged residents, particularly those in low-lying areas and near water bodies, to remain vigilant, warning that even gullies and normally dry streambeds can quickly turn deadly during heavy rainfall.
The warning comes amid widespread flooding in suburbs such as Cowdray Park, Sizinda and parts of Entumbane, where homes were submerged and stagnant water collected in yards and roads, raising fears of disease outbreaks. Some residents reported losing household property, while others complained of long-standing drainage problems that worsen with every downpour.
The council categorised floods into two main types: slow-developing floods and sudden flash floods, the latter described as especially dangerous as they can occur within minutes of rainfall or even without visible rain in the immediate area.
“Flash floods often involve a dangerous wall of roaring water carrying rocks, mud and other debris,” the council warned, adding that dam breaches or levee failures can have similarly catastrophic consequences.
Learning was also severely disrupted, with floodwaters entering classrooms at some schools, forcing learners to crowd into limited dry spaces or turn back home. School authorities expressed concern over overflowing sewer lines and inadequate drainage systems, warning of heightened health risks to pupils and nearby communities.
Authorities issued a strict list of actions residents must avoid during rainy conditions. These include walking through moving water, where as little as 150mm can knock an adult off their feet, and driving through flooded bridges or roads, as even shallow water can sweep away vehicles. Motorists are advised to abandon stalled vehicles and move to higher ground if floodwaters rise, provided it is safe to do so.
To minimise damage to property, the City of Bulawayo recommended several protective measures, including elevating essential utilities such as electrical panels and water heaters, installing check valves to prevent sewer backflow, boring weepholes in perimeter walls (durawalls) to allow water to drain freely, and waterproofing basement walls to prevent seepage.
The council cautioned that floodwaters are often contaminated with raw sewage, oil and chemicals, and warned residents to stay clear of moving water and downed power lines, which can electrify standing water.
Health guidelines for the post-flood period include only drinking water once authorities confirm it is safe, disinfecting all items that came into contact with floodwater, discarding contaminated food, and exercising extreme caution when re-entering buildings due to possible hidden structural damage.
Emergency services have been placed on high alert as flash flooding and strong winds continue to pose a threat, with several flood-prone zones identified across the city. Residents have been urged to remain alert as the rainy season continues.
The City of Bulawayo has provided the following emergency contact numbers for residents in distress:
Landlines only: 993 / 994
All networks: 02922 71717–9
Cell/mobile: 0781 593 433
WhatsApp: +263 774 668 432
