Peter Matika, Senior Zimpapers Writer
A TOTAL of 61 people died across the country during the festive season, while more than 500 homes and property worth over US$100 000 were destroyed following persistent and widespread rains.
Among the fatalities was a man from Nkayi District in Matabeleland North Province, who was swept away together with his donkeys while attempting to cross a flooded stream using a donkey-drawn scotch cart. According to a Civil Protection Unit (CPU) report released to Sunday News by the Unit’s Chief Director Mr Nathan Nkomo on rainfall-related incidents recorded between Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve, the sustained rains triggered flooding, dam spillages, infrastructure damage and loss of life in several provinces.
Zimbabwe traditionally experiences its peak rainfall period between December and February, with low-lying and semi-arid regions particularly prone to flash floods, dam spillages and river overflows. Over the years, flooding has remained one of the leading causes of weather-related deaths in rural communities, often exacerbated by unsafe river crossings, poor road infrastructure and settlements located downstream of major dams.
The report noted that the Meteorological Services Department (MSD) had issued warnings of widespread rains during the festive season, while the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (Zinwa) indicated that several major dams were full or nearing capacity following above-normal rainfall in many catchment areas.
As of 31 December, Manyuchi, Zhovhe and Silalabuhwa dams were 100 percent full, while Tugwi-Mukosi Dam stood at 99,8 percent capacity.
Authorities warned that continued rainfall had resulted in dam spillages and breaches in some districts, posing serious danger to communities living downstream.
“In Matabeleland North Province, a drowning incident was recorded in Nkayi District on Christmas Day. A man in his 30s, identified as Newman Ngwenya, was swept away while attempting to cross the flooded Gampinya Stream using a donkey-drawn scotch cart at Figa Ngwenya homestead in Khafamablantaya Village under Chief Madliwa,” reads the report.
The CPU said the scotch cart and donkeys were also swept away, although two other occupants managed to escape. The body of the deceased was later recovered following a search-and-rescue operation conducted by District and Ward Civil Protection Committees. Mashonaland West Province recorded several incidents, including damage to dam walls in Hurungwe District, where heavy rains caused Dendera Farm Dam and Mushowe Pool Farm Dam to overflow.
“The spillages affected downstream dams, prompting the District Civil Protection Committee to urge residents living downstream to temporarily relocate to safer areas while Zinwa continues to monitor the situation. Preliminary assessments placed the cost of dam rehabilitation at US$32 161,” reads the statement. The province also recorded a lightning incident at the Magunje Cement Plant site on December 29 where a Chinese national was struck.
“The victim was rushed to a trauma hospital in Harare and is reported to be in a stable condition, with arrangements underway for further treatment in China,” the report read.
In Masvingo Province, communities living downstream of Tugwi-Mukosi Dam were placed on high alert after Zinwa warned of a high risk of the dam spilling due to persistent rains in its catchment area.
Mr Nkomo warned citizens against crossing flooded rivers and streams, while the Civil Protection Committee continues to closely monitor the situation, with an Air Force of Zimbabwe helicopter placed on standby.
Cumulatively, the report shows that 538 households have been affected nationwide, with 10 people having been injured and 61 deaths recorded.
Infrastructure damage includes destroyed bridges, roads, toilets, irrigation schemes and public institutions such as schools, health facilities and prisons. The estimated cost of repairs and rehabilitation across affected provinces stands at more than US$107 000.
Mr Nkomo urged members of the public to exercise caution during the ongoing rainy season, heed weather advisories and avoid crossing flooded rivers and streams.
“Communities living downstream of dams are advised to remain vigilant and cooperate with civil protection structures to prevent further loss of life,” read the report.
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