Festive Rains Kill 61, Destroy 500 Homes Nationwide

At least 61 people died across Zimbabwe during the festive season as persistent rains triggered flooding, dam spillages and widespread destruction, leaving more than 500 households affected and property worth over US$100 000 damaged.

A Civil Protection Unit (CPU) report covering incidents between Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve shows fatalities and infrastructure losses were recorded in several provinces, with low-lying and semi-arid areas worst hit.

One of the deaths occurred in Nkayi, Matabeleland North, where a man was swept away while attempting to cross a flooded stream using a donkey-drawn scotch cart.

The CPU said his body was later recovered after a search operation.

Zimbabwe is in its peak rainfall season, and authorities say unsafe river crossings, settlements downstream of dams and weak infrastructure continue to expose rural communities to danger.

The Herald reported that the Meteorological Services Department had warned of widespread rains, while Zinwa confirmed several major dams were full or near capacity, including Manyuchi, Zhovhe and Silalabuhwa at 100 percent.

CPU chief director Nathan Nkomo warned communities to avoid flooded rivers and heed official advisories.

“Communities living downstream of dams must remain vigilant and cooperate with civil protection structures,” he said.

The report notes 538 households were affected, 10 people injured and infrastructure including roads, bridges, schools and clinics damaged.

Repairs are estimated to cost over US$107 000.