Harare – Zimbabwe is grappling with the devastating consequences of extreme weather, as heavy rains continue to lash the country, claiming the lives of at least 49 people since the start of the rainy season. Authorities are forecasting further downpours across all ten provinces until tomorrow, raising fears of more flash floods and landslides.
The relentless rains have already caused widespread destruction to both private property and public infrastructure, with damages estimated to exceed US$330,000. Roads, bridges, shops, and even a church have been severely affected. In addition, nearly a thousand homes (992) and over a hundred schools (139) have sustained damage, further exacerbating the crisis.
The DCP has recorded numerous incidents of drowning resulting from flash flooding. One tragic case involved a 50-year-old man from Shurugwi, who drowned in the Mutevekwi River on February 16. His body was recovered two days later by the police sub-aqua unit, a stark reminder of the dangers posed by swollen rivers.
The town of Kwekwe was particularly hard hit by a devastating flash flood on February 18. “A devastating flash flood struck Kwekwe on February 18, 2025, causing widespread destruction to households in Mbizo and surrounding areas,” Mr Nkomo explained. “The floodwaters inundated homes, resulting in significant property damage. The aftermath also poses additional threats to wooden structures. An assessment is currently underway to determine the full extent of the damage, including the number of households and properties affected.”
In Buhera district, tragedy struck when two five-year-old children from Mudinzwa village drowned in a stream. Their bodies were later recovered by the police, adding to the growing list of fatalities.
Rescue operations have been underway across the country. In Chipinge, on February 16, fifteen people found themselves stranded on Lisungwe island due to flooding while farming. A coordinated effort involving the district civil protection unit, Mahenye Chilo Gorge Lodge, and the Gonarezhou Conservation Trust, resulted in the successful rescue of thirteen individuals over two days.
However, the situation remains precarious as two people reportedly refused evacuation and remain on the island. “Law enforcement has been engaged to intervene on the issue of the two who remained on the island,” Mr Nkomo confirmed, highlighting the challenges faced by rescue teams.
Mhondoro has also experienced its share of hardship. On February 13, heavy rainfall left 13 households homeless in Mubaira Ward 1. Just three days later, on February 16, a shaft mine collapsed at Magodo Mine in the same district, trapping ten miners underground. While five miners managed to escape, rescue operations are ongoing for the remaining five, with officials from the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development at the site.
The extreme weather has brought heartbreak to families across the nation. In Beitbridge, a newly married couple tragically lost their lives on Valentine’s Day when their house in Tshaswingo village collapsed due to the heavy rains. “This incident was attributed by heavy rains that weakened the structure of their house,” said Mr Nkomo, underscoring the devastating impact of the downpours.
Local authorities have urged residents in flood-prone areas to seek safer shelter at evacuation centres as heavy rains continue to pose a significant risk. The call for vigilance is echoed nationwide.
The loss of young lives is particularly poignant. “On February 17, 2025, tragedy struck at Donkwedonkwe Primary School in Matobo when a female ECD (early childhood development) learner, Promise Ncube, was swept away by a flooded stream and sadly lost her life,” Mr Nkomo revealed, a heartbreaking illustration of the dangers facing vulnerable communities.
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