Online Reporter
Precious Manomano
Herald Reporter
The rains that are falling across Zimbabwe have been wreaking havoc in some areas, with 51 households having been affected and 16 fatalities recorded since the season started.
The Department of Civil Protection Unit (CPU) has reported considerable damages, including the destruction of four schools, with losses estimated at approximately US$16 500.
The Meteorological Services Department (MSD), alongside the Department of Civil Protection, issued a Level 2 weather warning for thunderstorms and heavy rains starting Sunday, November 16, 2025.
Significant damage was reported in Shurugwi on that same date, where heavy rains and strong winds caused extensive destruction.
“At St Francis Nhema Primary School, the roof of a two-classroom block was blown off,” noted the statement.
Additionally, the storm ripped the roof off a house at Mapenduka homestead and damaged a shop located at Machacha Business Centre.
In Mashonaland Central Province, a lightning strike in Karima Village, destroyed a hut in Ward 8, leaving an elderly woman and her niece homeless.
The estimated loss from this incident is approximately US$1 500. In Rushinga District, Chomutukutu Primary School sustained severe damage during a violent hailstorm on November 17, affecting 163 students and seven teachers, with an estimated property loss of US$15 000.
Moreover, a houseboat carrying eight tourists capsized in Kariba Dam on the same day, as heavy storms sent strong waves crashing into it. Fortunately, all passengers managed to safely reach the shoreline.
In Matabeleland North, Sindeni Secondary School was affected on November 10 by heavy rains accompanied by strong winds that ripped off the roof of a classroom block, damaging the stationery inside.
Meanwhile, a tragic incident occurred when three men travelling from Harare to Lusulu, Binga, became stranded due to muddy roads at Cross Gokwe. After opting for a detour through Shawa, their vehicle got stuck in a ditch.
As they sought shelter in the truck, heavy rains continued, causing the vehicle to capsize. While two men survived, one drowned while attempting to escape through the window. The survivor is currently receiving treatment at St Luke’s Mission Hospital, and a search is ongoing for the victim.
CPU also indicates that in Mhondoro Ngezi, six miners were trapped when a shaft mine they were working in flooded due to heavy rains that had fallen throughout the night. Similarly, in Dangamvura Area 3 of Manicaland Province, two houses were destroyed by overflowing water on November 17.
The flowing water damaged a security wall and a storeroom, leaving two families homeless and in search of alternative accommodation.
The Government has mobilised rapid response teams to assess the damage, provide psychosocial support and coordinate temporary shelter and food aid.
They are also focused on reconstructing damaged buildings with climate-resilient materials. To prevent future catastrophes, the CPU is enforcing mandatory inspection protocols during public infrastructure construction and promoting local training for builders on disaster-resilient techniques.
“The department will strengthen community awareness of weather alerts and evacuation protocols through local radio, SMS and school networks,” said CPU.
They are developing school-based disaster preparedness plans and encouraging the use of designated storm shelters.
As the rains persist, the most critical recommendation for small-scale and artisanal miners is to cease all mining activities until the rainy season subsides.
Authorities emphasise the importance of monitoring weather forecasts, being aware of storm signs, and knowing the location of the nearest safe shelter.
Efforts to install warning signs and improve infrastructure will be intensified to enhance community preparedness for future weather events.
