Beitbridge on high alert as persistent rains raise flash floods risk

THE Beitbridge District Civil Protection Committee has activated its disaster rapid response teams and placed them on high alert as persistent rainfall across the country heightens the risk of flash floods in the district.

Committee chairperson Mrs Sikhangezile Mafu said the teams were already deployed on the ground, monitoring flood prone areas and co-ordinating preparedness measures to ensure swift intervention should disasters occur.

Speaking during a tour of Dulivhadzimu suburb on Monday — one of Beitbridge town’s most flood prone areas — Mrs Mafu said no lives had been lost so far as a result of rain-related incidents in the district.
“We have activated our disaster rapid response teams and they are on standby. At this stage, we have not received any reports of fatalities linked to climate related disasters,” she said.

However, she confirmed that the sustained rainfall had caused structural damage, with at least 23 houses collapsing after prolonged soil saturation weakened building foundations.

Mrs Mafu said the committee had completed comprehensive risk mapping across the district, identifying communities most vulnerable to flooding, particularly those in low lying areas and settlements located near major rivers and water bodies.

“We are working through ward-based disaster risk reduction committees to gather information, assess risks and respond promptly whenever incidents are reported,” she said.

As part of preparedness efforts, the district has designated evacuation centres on higher ground, including schools, churches and community halls, to accommodate families that may be displaced if flooding intensifies.

“These centres will be critical for residents in Ward 4 in Beitbridge town, as well as rural wards situated close to rivers and flood channels,” Mrs Mafu said.

Several parts of Beitbridge District are susceptible to flooding, including Shashe, Tshitulipasi, Tshikwalakwala, Makakavhule, Tongwe, Umzingwane and Tshathapita, most of which lie in low lying zones. In Beitbridge town, flash floods frequently affect areas around the Dulivhadzimu Bus Terminus, the stadium and surrounding residential hostels.

Mrs Mafu said the committee was continuing with awareness campaigns to educate residents on disaster preparedness and personal safety.

“We urge communities to remain vigilant and to report any signs of danger to disaster risk reduction committees on the ground. People should avoid crossing flooded rivers, whether on foot or by vehicle, and those living in low lying areas must be ready to relocate should conditions become unsafe,” she said.

She also encouraged residents to follow regular weather updates issued by the Meteorological Services Department and advisories from the Civil Protection Committee to reduce the impact of climate related disasters.

The Meteorological Services Department has warned of heavy rainfall exceeding 50 millimetres in some areas, accompanied by strong winds, thunderstorms and lightning, beginning tomorrow and persisting until Saturday.

In an advisory issued on Sunday, the department said a low-pressure system to the north and south of the country was expected to drive warm, moist air over Zimbabwe, resulting in widespread thunderstorms between Tuesday and Saturday.

“This significantly elevates the risk of flash flooding, hazardous road conditions with reduced visibility, as well as landslides and rockfalls, particularly in areas already saturated by ongoing rains,” the advisory said.