Death toll from rain-related incidents rises to109 nationwide

THE death toll from rain-related incidents — including lightning strikes, drowning and infrastructure collapse — has risen to 109, up from 79 recorded last week, as persistent heavy rains continue to batter large parts of the country.

According to the latest Civil Protection Unit (CPU) situation report, the humanitarian impact of the 2025/26 rainy season is escalating rapidly, with 8 295 households affected, 334 homes destroyed and 236 schools damaged nationwide.

Manicaland Province remains the worst affected in terms of fatalities, accounting for 36 deaths since the start of the season, followed by Mashonaland West with 19 and Matabeleland South with 16.

In terms of displacement and household impact, Harare Metropolitan Province recorded the highest number of affected households at 5 093, followed by Matabeleland South with 1 600 and Manicaland with 510.

“Owing to the incessant rains, the Department of Civil Protection is overwhelmed with responses to incidents countrywide.

The country has witnessed loss of lives, livelihoods and property, extensive infrastructure damage, incidents of drowning and marooning of people in flooded rivers, mine collapses, landslides and lightning strikes, among others,” reads the CPU report.

The report noted that critical infrastructure had also suffered extensive damage. Roads, bridges, schools, health facilities, irrigation schemes, farm dams and residential properties were among the affected structures, raising concerns over disrupted services, limited accessibility and the impact on education and healthcare in hard-hit areas.

One of the deadliest recent incidents occurred in Insiza District, Matabeleland South, where nine bodies were retrieved last Friday from the Shangamtope River at Mulula Mtshingwe resettlement area, Ward 19.

The victims drowned after the vehicle they were travelling in was swept away while attempting to cross the flooded river. The incident had occurred the previous day. The bereaved families later received maize grain assistance from the district CPU committee.

In Beitbridge District, heavy rainfall over a five-day period — from the evening of Sunday, January 11 to Friday, January 16 — caused widespread destruction, affecting at least 114 people, particularly in remote rural communities.

“Heavy and incessant rains caused significant damage in Beitbridge District, mainly affecting homesteads in isolated rural areas,” said the CPU.

Conditions were reported to be most severe in Tshapongwe Village, Luthomboni, Tshibora and Malala, where households lost essential property, including food stocks, clothing, bedding and kitchen utensils.

The CPU attributed much of the damage to fragile rural infrastructure, noting that many homes constructed from unreinforced mud were particularly vulnerable to collapse during prolonged rainfall.

As the rainy season progresses, the CPU has called for intensified public education and awareness campaigns on rainfall-related hazards through social media, mainstream media and community radio stations. The department has also appealed for urgent mobilisation of tents, food and non-food items to support affected communities.

Each year, the CPU coordinates a review of the National Multi-Hazard Contingency Plan ahead of the rainy season. Earlier this year, it was revealed that US$96,17 million is required to fully fund the implementation of the 2025/26 plan.

“To date, the Department of Civil Protection has received US$3 million and allocated US$30 000 per province for emergency response. Each province has also been allocated 50 metric tonnes of maize grain,” the CPU said.

Beyond Zimbabwe’s borders, the CPU is also coordinating humanitarian assistance under ZimAid to support Malawi and Mozambique, both recently affected by severe flooding. At least 32 000 people were affected in Malawi, while Mozambique recorded 723 500 affected people and 124 deaths.

The first consignment of aid destined for Malawi has already been dispatched. On Wednesday, Acting President Dr Kembo Mohadi officially handed over humanitarian assistance to Mozambique, with Ambassador Mr Carvalho Muaria receiving 300 metric tonnes of grain, medical supplies, timber, blankets and other essential materials.