MSD predicts heavy rains over Christmas, warns against crossing flooded rivers

Nqobile Tshili/Nokuthaba Ncube , Chronicle Writers

THE Meteorological Service Department (MSD) has forecast widespread rains across Zimbabwe during the Christmas and Boxing Day holidays, cautioning the public against crossing flooded rivers to avoid fatal incidents.

The warning comes in the wake of a tragic accident in Gwanda, Matabeleland South, where a Green Horse long-distance bus was swept away by a flooded river on Monday. The incident claimed the life of a 33-year-old woman, while a three-month-old baby remains missing.

In a statement, the MSD indicated that most parts of the country will experience heavy rains today and tomorrow. 

“Countrywide rains are expected on Christmas and Boxing Day,” reads the statement. “On Christmas Day, partly cloudy and mild conditions are expected across the country, with chances of morning rain in some areas. In the afternoon, widespread thunderstorms are expected, followed by overnight partly cloudy and mild conditions in the northern parts of the country.”

The MSD also urged the public to remain vigilant during the holidays as similar weather patterns are expected tomorrow.

On Monday, several areas recorded heavy rainfall, with Gokwe receiving 44mm, Goetz in Bulawayo 32mm, and Kwekwe, Mukandi, and West Nicholson 20mm each. 

“There were widespread thundershowers on Monday, which were heavier in some places. The heaviest amounts of rainfall measured this morning from these showers were: 44mm at Gokwe, 32mm at Goetz (Bulawayo), and 20mm at Kwekwe, Mukandi and West Nicholson,” said MSD.

“Today (yesterday) it was cloudy over much of the country with morning rain in some places. Thunderstorms later on developed around the country in the afternoon.”

Bulawayo Chief Fire Officer, Mr Mhlangano Moyo, also issued a warning, urging residents to prepare for potential flash floods during the rainy holidays.

“The weather forecast indicates a wet Christmas, so we are sensitising residents to be alert. Homeowners in flood-prone areas should open weep holes in precast walls to allow water to flow freely,” he said.

Mr Moyo said residents who fail to comply with the requirement to open weep holes risk a US$150 fine.

“We also discourage residents from crossing flooded streams within the city, especially at Phekiwe River, which has posed challenges for individuals crossing from Emganwini to Nkulumane,” he said. — nqotshili