Source: Zinwa issues flood warning – herald
Ivan Zhakata
Herald Correspondent
THE Zimbabwe National Water Authority has issued a warning to communities across the country, urging vigilance and preparedness for potential flooding as the current heavy rainfall season continues.
This comes as national dam levels have risen sharply to an average of 78 percent following widespread rainfall, improving the country’s water security outlook for 2026, the Zimbabwe National Water Authority has said.
ZINWA head of Corporate Communications and Marketing, Mrs Marjory Munyonga, said in a statement yesterday that the improved water situation places the country in a strong position to meet water demand across key sectors, but also warned of the risks.
Mrs Munyonga said the rising dam levels could result in increased river flows and potential flooding in downstream areas.
“Communities downstream of dams that are full or nearing capacity should remain vigilant and be on high alert for possible flooding,” she said.
Mrs Munyonga urged members of the public to avoid crossing flooded rivers or engaging in activities such as swimming, fetching water, and doing laundry in fast-flowing rivers.
She said irrigation and water abstraction equipment along river channels should be secured or removed.
Mrs Munyonga said they were working with other stakeholders and relevant Government departments to mitigate any adverse impacts of potential flooding.
“The Authority will continue to closely monitor the situation and will provide updates as new developments occur,” she said.
Zimbabwe has in recent years faced water shortages driven by climate variability, with low dam levels affecting agriculture, power generation, and urban water supplies.
The current rainfall pattern is expected to ease pressure on water resources, although authorities have urged caution as the rainy season continues.
As of December 29, 2025, the national dam level average stood at 78 percent, compared to 56,7 percent recorded during the same period last year.
Mrs Munyonga said the increase was a result of sustained rainfall activity across the country, with more rains expected as the season progresses.
“The current water security gains put the country in a better and stronger position to meet its irrigation, mining, industrial, and domestic water requirements in 2026,” she said.
Mrs Munyonga said several dams across the country have already reached full capacity, while others are close to filling up and are expected to spill in the coming days if the wet conditions persist.
Dams that have filled up include Mabwematema, Muzhwi, Nerutanga, Khami, Sadza, Somalala, Ngwenya, Insukamini, Nyawa, Exchange, Mananda, Nyamaropa, Bulilima, Antelope, Manyuchi, Mundi-Mataga, Lower Mjeni, Ngezi, Gonye, Mhende, Silabuhwa, Zhovhe, Beitbridge 1, Chinyamutumwa, Zimunya, Bangazaan, Siwaze, and Masholomoshe.
Mrs Munyonga said Zimbabwe’s two largest water bodies, Lake Tugwi-Mukosi and Lake Mutirikwi, are also recording significant inflows due to intensified rainfall in their catchment areas.
“As of December 30, 2025, water levels at Tugwi-Mukosi had risen to 99,6 percent, with the dam expected to fill up and start spilling within a few hours if current inflows are maintained,” she said.
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