Police launch floods awareness campaign

Harare Bureau
POLICE have launched a public awareness campaign countrywide urging people to avoid crossing flooded rivers during this rainy season as they risk losing their lives. At least 11 people have been confirmed dead so far this season from flooding related incidents.

National police spokesperson Chief Superintendent Paul Nyathi yesterday said the rains could also expose buried anti-personnel mines, grenades and other dangerous explosives.

“The public should not pick suspicious objects or attempt to tamper with such dangerous objects. They should quickly notify authorities or their nearest police stations to get the necessary assistance,” he said.

Chief Supt Nyathi said the police had noted with sadness the loss of life which had occurred due to drowning during the current rain season.

“Police have embarked on intensive and comprehensive awareness campaigns on floods in view of the current incessant rains. The campaigns are focusing on alerting the public not to cross flooded rivers and bridges and monitoring children not to play near water bodies,” he said.

He said children should be discouraged from engaging in swimming activities during this season.

Chief Supt Nyathi said those herding cattle and driving scotch carts should not attempt to cross flooded rivers, streams, trenches and other water points.

“Motorists should take heed of police messages not to cross flooded rivers and bridges and the public should wait for water levels to subside and then cross rivers and bridges after thoroughly checking that it is safe to do so,” he said.

Floods that occurred over the weekend affected Mbire, Gokwe and Zvimba among other areas killing 11 people and leaving hundreds homeless.

The Civil Protection Unit has sought assistance from the Air Force of Zimbabwe and humanitarian organisations to assist flood victims in different parts of the country.

People in the affected areas are in need of shelter and safe water for domestic use. Alerts from the Zimbabwe Red Cross Society stated that over 700 households had been affected by the floods countrywide.