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Robin Muchetu and Rutendo Nyeve, Sunday News Reporters
AT least 23 deaths have been reported across the country, while more than 800 households have so far been affected by the ongoing rainfall activity that has also caused damage to infrastructure such as schools and clinics.
The Civil Protection Unit (CPU) has moved in and deployed relief items including tents and food to assist those in need.
In total, 38 infrastructure facilities have been damaged nationwide, including five dams and four bridges in Matabeleland North Province, along with 121 schools and 13 clinics.
In Bulawayo, a recent assessment by the CPU indicated that 85 houses in Cowdray Park, as well as houses in Sizinda, Harrisvale and Richmond suburbs were adversely affected by the rainfall activities on 15 January.
The Provincial Civil Protection Committee has provided tents and assistance for roofs that were blown off.
In Sizinda, 25 households received help with roofing sheets and tents, while Ntabeni Primary School in Entumbane had two blocks covered with tents. Affected households are in urgent need of mealie-meal, blankets and other necessities.
Mr Farai Hokonya, the acting director of Disaster Response and Co-ordination for the CPU, highlighted the incidents that occurred across the country last week.
“As of yesterday (Friday), 877 households have been affected. These incidents have resulted in six injuries, 23 deaths (due to mine collapses, drownings, and lightning), and damage to 38 infrastructure facilities including four bridges and five dams in Matabeleland North. Additionally, 121 schools and 13 clinics have also been damaged while 15 households remain marooned,” he said.
He noted that the CPU has received a donation of 600 tents — comprising a mix of family tents and tarpaulins — from the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) to respond to various distress calls nationwide.
These will be distributed across all 10 provinces.
Currently, distribution efforts are underway in Matabeleland South, Midlands and Bulawayo provinces, with Gwanda set to receive 60 tarpaulin tents and 200 litres of fuel, Bulawayo receiving six tarpaulin tents and 100 litres of fuel and Midlands set to receive 60 tarpaulin tents and 100 litres of fuel.
In Bulawayo, Mr Hokonya reported that the Provincial Civil Protection Committee conducted impact assessments, particularly in Cowdray Park, where at least 85 houses were affected, with 36 at Esigodweni and 49 at the Mpompini area of the suburb.
CPU officials were dispatched for further assessments and to deliver food items to the most affected households. The flash flooding resulted in significant damage to homes and personal property.
Mr Hokonya said the Department of Civil Protection provided several relief items including eight 50kg bags of rice, 150 tins of condensed milk, 48 tins of stewed beef and 240 canned meat chunks to assist those in need.
The department called for Bulawayo City Council to address drainage system issues in Esigodweni, Mpompini and other affected areas. It also emphasised the need to find alternative land for relocating the 18 flood victims whose homes are repeatedly affected by flash floods.
This relocation will enable the construction of a 3km drainage pipe to provide a more permanent solution to the flooding.
In Matabeleland South Province, CPU reported that multiple bridges have been swept away including the Majazi Bridge (Plumtree-Maitegwe Road), which connects Maitengwe Border Post to Plumtree.
The bridge has suffered damage from successive rainy seasons, exacerbated by the current weather conditions creating an urgent need for repairs as it links to a major border crossing.
Several dams in Matabeleland South have reportedly breached, rendering them incapable of holding water.
The CPU has assembled provincial and district technical teams to assess and monitor dam conditions, as many show potential signs of failure.
Rural District Council engineers have been tasked with assessing road damage and preparing Bills of Quantities for necessary repairs.
For instance, the Makawule Bridge (Ndolwane Rd) is damaged impeding vehicle passage, while communities have attempted to fill the damaged area with large stones. Additionally, Gampu Bridge (Matjinge-Phakama Rd) has been in poor condition, worsened by recent rains with communities continually repairing it using stones and gravel.
Some residents in Chiredzi narrowly escaped harm after being marooned on a piece of land.
“Two middle-aged men were stranded along the Runde River, near Citrus Plantation in Section 10 as rising water levels posed a significant safety threat. The District Civil Protection Committee swiftly mobilised a community rescue team that successfully saved the two individuals,” reported Mr Hokonya.
In a tragic incident in Mbire District, Mashonaland Central, four people drowned after being swept away by floodwaters.
“Due to heavy rains, five major rivers in Mbire District — Musengezi, Mwazamutanda, Dande, Hunyani and Angwa — overflowed on January 11, 2025. The flooding resulted in extensive damage to crops and property. Sadly, four drownings were recorded with the community recovering three bodies while one remains missing. A police report has been filed with the Sub Aqua Police for search and rescue efforts,” he noted.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education urged communities to prioritize safety amid the ongoing flooding.
“Stay informed: Monitor weather forecasts and heed warnings from local authorities concerning severe weather. Avoid flooded areas and do not attempt to cross flooded streams or paths. If travel routes to school are unsafe, prioritise safety and consider staying home until conditions improve.
“Parents should notify schools if their children cannot attend due to flooding; regular communication is key for schools to plan effectively,” stated Mr Taungana Ndoro, Director of Communications and Advocacy in the Ministry.
He also advised school authorities to be flexible and understanding during this challenging period.
“We urge school leaders to accommodate students who arrive late due to flooding or related issues, as safety is our top priority. Many students may face difficulties accessing school during heavy rains. Schools should implement measures to support those affected including allowing late arrivals to catch up on missed lessons,” Mr Ndoro added.
In Bulawayo, Phekiwe River which separates Nketa, Nkulumane 12, and Emganwini suburbs, has become a problematic area as schoolchildren and residents struggle to access their neighbourhoods during flooding.
