Weather experts warn of floods

The Department of Civil Protection yesterday placed its workers in various parts of the country on alert to deal with the situation.
DCP acting director Ms Sibusisiwe Ndlovu said there was an increased risk of flash floods and flooding, especially in low lying areas.
“There is also risk of roofs being blown off and some houses may succumb to excessive moisture and collapse,” she said.
Ms Ndlovu warned people to take necessary steps like moving to higher ground in time and avoiding working in fields located across rivers or streams.
“It is critical to listen to warnings and generally observe rainfall activity and avoid venturing out unnecessarily,” she said.
“In cases of strong winds, shelter in a house with the most secure roof and close all windows and doors.”
Ms Ndlovu said there were district civil committees ready to respond to any occurrences.
She said most big rivers were not yet full, but were expected to burst their banks due to the torrential rains.
Ms Nldovu particularly warned people living downstream of the Zambezi River to be on the look out for floods.
The Zambezi River Authority said it would open one spillway gate at Kariba Dam on Tuesday to keep the water levels under control. The opening of the spillway gate would result in floods downstream the Zambezi River.
The Sadc Climate Services Centre forecast the second half of the rainfall season from January to March 2012 to be characterised by normal to above normal rainfall.
Officials at the Meteorological Services Department said that heavy rains are expected starting today.
Areas with a high risk of floods include those in Mashonaland East, Mashonaland West, Mashonaland Central, Matabeleland North and Manicaland.
Head of public weather services for the Met Department, Mr Tich Zinyemba, said some parts of the country had already received heavy rains and there was a likelihood of flash floods.
“Naturally, there will be heightened risk of flash flooding principally in susceptible places and poorly drained soils,” Mr Zinyemba said.
He said the weather forecast indicates that there would be a propensity of violent thunderstorms that would be accompanied by gusty winds and hailstorms.