The Meteorological Services Department (MSD) has issued a warning that much of the country will experience heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and potential flash flooding through Saturday. The public is urged to avoid crossing flooded rivers.
Meteorologists predict rainfall exceeding 50 millimeters (mm) within a 24-hour period across the nation, highlighting that even shallow water (as little as 30 centimeters) can be strong enough to wash away heavy vehicles.
Although the ongoing rains provide hope for farmers and contribute to increased dam levels, they also present significant risks for local communities. In Bulawayo, where water shortages are a major issue, many residents have turned to harvesting rainwater as a solution.
In its latest advisory, MSD warned that heavier rainfall is expected to continue from yesterday through Saturday.
“Persistent moisture in the atmosphere, linked to a cloud system, has been producing widespread rainfall across the country since late December 2024, continuing into January 2025.
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Regions including Matabeleland North, the northern Midlands, Harare Metropolitan, the northern parts of Manicaland, and all Mashonaland Provinces are forecast to experience scattered thunder showers between January 5-8, 2025,” the statement reads.
The MSD further noted that additional moisture from the southeast coast of Southern Africa will bring cloudy, windy, and cooler conditions to Matabeleland South, Masvingo, and Manicaland Provinces.
By Friday, January 10, rainfall is expected to intensify in southern Mashonaland West, Mashonaland East, and Harare Metropolitan Provinces, potentially exceeding 50mm within 24 hours.
The department has also issued a warning for potential flooding, even in areas that do not see heavy rains, as upstream rainfall could lead to floodwaters downstream. The MSD cautioned that violent storms may result in fallen trees, damaged rooftops, and collapsed billboards due to strong winds.
To protect themselves, the public is advised to secure roofs and property, avoid parking under trees, refrain from standing near trees or being the tallest object to prevent lightning strikes, and avoid using heavy outdoor machinery during storms.
Several incidents have already occurred this rainy season. On December 23, a bus crossing the flooded Mletshane River in Gwanda District was swept away after missing a submerged bridge, resulting in one fatality and a missing three-month-old child.
Last Friday, two people drowned in Lupane, Matabeleland North, while trying to cross the flooded Tshangane River.
National police spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi, has called on the public to follow safety guidelines to avoid further fatalities.
“We urge parents to stay vigilant and ensure children do not play near water bodies, trenches, or rivers, as this can lead to drowning accidents. Parents should take proactive steps to ensure their children’s safety,” he emphasized.
Comm Nyathi also reminded motorists to avoid crossing flooded rivers or submerged bridges, and urged all road users to exercise caution.
“Motorists, cart drivers, and pedestrians must take extreme care. While we plan to conduct awareness campaigns with our partners, everyone has a role to play in maintaining safety during this rainy season,” he added.
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