Online Reporter
Wallace Ruzvidzo
Herald Reporter
GOVERNMENT has provided the Department of Civil Protection with US$3 million, which has been distributed equally across the country’s 10 provinces to support emergency response during the current rainfall season.
In recent weeks, Zimbabwe has seen a surge in rainfall throughout much of the country which has caused incidents needing Government intervention.
In its report on the 2025-2026 rainfall incidents, the Department of Civil Protection said that although it needs US$96 million to fully fund this season’s National Multi-Hazard Contingency Plan, each province had been allocated US$30 000 in preparation for rainfall-induced eventualities.
This is in addition to the capacitation of all Civil Protection structures and emergency response with fuel and 50 tonnes of maize grain per province.
“Each year, the Department of Civil Protection coordinates the review of the National Multi-Hazard Contingency Plan in preparation for the rainfall season. During this current season, a total of US$96 178 635,00 is required to fully fund implementation of the 2025/26 National Multi-Hazard Contingency Plan.
“To date, the Department of Civil Protection has received US43 000 000 and allocated US$30 000 per province for response to incidents.
“Each province has also been allocated 50 metric tonnes of maize grain for the same purpose,” reads the report.
Rivers that used to flow peacefully are now swift, turbulent torrents, low-lying bridges are submerged beneath the rushing water, and familiar roads have turned into hazardous, unpredictable paths.
For many Zimbabweans, what was once a simple, everyday trip has now become a crucial, life-changing choice.
As reported by the Department of Civil Protection as of this past Sunday, 8 295 households have been severely impacted during this rainy season. There have been 109 recorded deaths due to drowning, being swept away in flooded rivers, lightning strikes, mine collapses, and other related incidents.
Sixty-one people sustained various injuries, 12 marooning incidents were recorded, 334 houses and 236 schools were damaged, as well as 15 health facilities.
The country’s road network has been severely damaged, including major roads and bridges, limiting access to essential services such as markets, clinics and hospitals, schools and other services in several districts.
In light of the grim statistics, the Department of Civil Protection said Government was rolling out a cocktail of interventions, including the procurement of engines for rescue boats for the Sub Aqua Unit, which is underway.
“The following interventions have been done: Intensification of education and awareness on rainfall related hazards in communities and through social media platforms, mainstream media community radio stations among others;
Mobilisation of tents, food and non-food items to affected communities; Issuance of weather advisories in collaboration with the Meteorological Services Department and mobile network service providers; Continuous resource mobilisation programmes,” reads the report.
