Govt warns of impending floods

Peter Matambanadzo Senior Reporter
People living in low-lying areas have been warned to brace for floods in the coming weeks, with the Civil Protection Unit saying it is on high alert and has carried out extensive awareness campaigns.
The warning comes after the Metrological Services Department forecast that there would be an increase in rainfall activity across the country that might trigger floods.
CPU deputy director Ms Sibusiswe Ndlovu yesterday said they had since carried out extensive awareness campaigns throughout the country in preparation for expected flooding.

“We have already carried out awareness campaigns in communities in low lying areas that are usually affected by floods and in those areas with potential to flood to warn communities to be prepared for floods and what they should do in case of floods,” Ms Ndlovu said.

Low lying areas including Muzarabani, Kanyemba, Tsholotsho, Mvuma, Chisumbanje, Beitbridge, Chibuwe Village and Tongogara Refugee Camp in Manicaland are usually affected by floods when the country recieved heavy rainfalls. Meanwhile, the MSD has said more rains are expected throughout the country due to current conditions being experienced.

“Thunderstorm activities should be potentially violent in places due to the current conditions that we are experiencing. An increase in rainfall activity should be expected,” the Met Dept said in a statement.

The weather department said already some parts of the country have started receiving rainfall of more than 80mm.
“Moderate to heavy thunderstorm activity across the country yesterday (Friday) with Vainona Harare receiving 81mm, Plumtree 56mm, Binga 47mm, Chipinge 39mm, Nyanga 38mm and Chinhoyi and Gweru 29mm,” the department said.

The Met Dept also warned people to avoid open spaces, high places, to avoid walking in waterlogged areas and not to shelter under trees to avoid being struck by lightning.
The department said it will continue to monitor the situation and issue appropriate updates.

Zimbabwe has been in the past years hit by severe floods which left thousands of families homeless and a trail of destruction on basic infrastructure.
In February 2000, Zimbabwe was hit by a devastating tropical cyclone — Cyclone Eline with strong winds. The cyclone affected the eastern and southern parts of the country and swept away bridges, while food crops due for harvesting were also destroyed by the floods and strong winds.

Again in March 2003 the country was hit by Cyclone Japhet, a tropical cyclone that affected southeast Africa.
The cyclone developed near the southwest coast of Madagascar before it intensified to the Mozambican channel and entered Zimbabwe causing the Save River to rise resulting in floods.

The resulting floods affected 50 000 people in several villages. The devastating cyclone also uprooted trees, destroyed crops, homes and cut off electricity and telephone lines.