Online Reporter
Precious Manomano-Herald Reporter
The 2025-2026 rainfall season has had a devastating impact across the country, with 125 people killed and approximately 8 331 households affected by the severe weather.
Harare Metropolitan Province has been the hardest hit, with 5 093 households left reeling.
Matabeleland South follows, with 1 600 households affected as rains persist in various areas.
Thirteen individuals have reportedly been marooned due to flooding, while 334 houses, 237 schools, and 15 health institutions have been damaged.
One of the most alarming incidents occurred on February 17, in Ward 15 of the Mhondoro-Ngezi District, specifically at Bostick Extension 8 (Village 13).
The Department of Civil Protection reported that eight homesteads were severely affected, leaving families exposed and in urgent need of assistance.
“The storm caused extensive structural damage to residential buildings. A five-roomed house was completely destroyed, while a two-roomed house had its roof blown off. In addition, a toilet structure was swept away, and another one-roomed dwelling was affected after one of its walls collapsed,” reads the latest report from the Department of Civil Protection.
The estimated total value of property lost in this incident ranges from US$8 000 to US$10 000.
In response, the Department of Civil Protection has provided assistance to the affected families, including tarpaulin tents, kitchen utensils, and fuel.
On February 14, a lightning strike during a severe thunderstorm in Ward 12 of the Makore area of Gokwe North District claimed two lives and injured two others.
“The tragic incident occurred during a severe thunderstorm at approximately 20:00 hours. The District Civil Protection Committee responded promptly to the emergency, providing food and clothing to the affected households, as well as food assistance to support the mourners during the bereavement period,” the department reported.
In Masvingo Province, on February 15, a vehicle was swept away at Zihwa Bridge while attempting to cross the Muni River in Ward 17 of Chivi District.
However, no fatalities or injuries were recorded, as community members promptly assisted in retrieving the vehicle from the river.
In Bulawayo Metropolitan, strong winds and storms resulted in roofs being blown off approximately 15 houses in Cowdray Park on February 12.
Emergency shelter in the form of tarpaulins was provided by the Fire Brigade in Bulawayo. No casualties or injuries were recorded.
Local Government and Public Works Deputy Minister Benjamin Kabikira has indicated the Government’s commitment to funding the Department of Civil Protection.
“As the Government, we will continue to prioritise resource mobilisation for disaster risk management, including investment in early warning systems, evacuation centres, emergency response equipment, and capacity building for our personnel,” he said.
