More rains forecasted

Talent Gore

THE Meteorological Services Department has warned of isolated thunderstorms in Harare today.

This comes hard on the heels of the Met and Department of Civil Protection’s warning of floods in different parts of the country last week.

“Isolated afternoon thunderstorms are expected in all Mashonaland, Harare Metropolitan, northern parts of Manicaland, and northern parts of Midlands provinces,” the Met said.

“The rest of the country should start off with partly cloudy conditions becoming mostly sunny by mid-afternoon.”

The Met warned the public against parking vehicles under trees.

“Avoid crossing flooded rivers, swollen streams, areas where flash flooding has occurred or where flowing water is above ankle height,” the department said.

“Noting that, a 30cm depth of flowing water can sweep away large vehicles, wait for the water to subside before attempting to cross. Do not hide or park under trees during thunderstorms or heavy rains.”

Since Friday, the country has been receiving heavy downpours, which resulted in the deaths of two people in Gwanda and Mazowe.

Some houses and schools have been damaged, and Bindura, which has recorded storms of above average intensity, saw the provincial hospital and laboratory roofs being blown off, and the fence around the Government complex flattened.

Several houses’ roofs in the town were also blown away last Thursday.

The most affected provinces by yesterday were Masvingo, Mashonaland Central, Matabeleland South and parts of Manicaland and Midlands.

The Department of Civil Protection is erecting tents as temporary classrooms where classrooms were damaged so that schools can re-open normally today.