Zimbabwe Floods
| Date | January- February 2015 |
|---|---|
| Location | Zimbabwe |
| Also known as | Flooding in Zimbabwe |
| Cause | Heavy Rains |
| Deaths | 11 |
| Property damage | 20 Houses damaged |
Floods were witnessed in some parts of Zimbabwe since the beginning of the 2014-2015 rainy season in December. Floods were first experienced in the Mashonaland Central Province in areas such as Mzarabani.
Casualties
By mid-January 2015, about 11 people had died from floods in various parts of the country. In one case, 8 people died when the car they were travelling whilst attempting to cross a flooded river in Kwekwe in the Mashonaland West Province of Zimbabwe. The Red Cross Society also reported that 20 houses were destroyed by the floods. The flash floods which occurred on 1 February especially in Harare resulted in property being damaged. One person was also reported to have gone missing after the floods. Other sought refuge on top of their vehicles and they were eventually damaged.[1]
Flood Warnings in Zimbabwe
The Department of Meteorological Services of Zimbabwe warned of flooding as heavy rainfall is expected in the Mashonaland, Matabeleland North, Midlands Province and Manicaland provinces.[2] Flood-prone areas such as Muzarabani and Tsholotsho have been advised to be on high alert. The department warned that the heavy rains will continue until Friday 6 February 2015.[2]
The Met department warned pedestrians and motorists not to attempt to cross flooded rivers for this would result in, loss of life. Most of the deaths this year have been caused by people attempting to cross flooded rivers. People in low-lying regions have also been warned to stay on the alert and move to higher areas for safety. The Met department also indicated that a cyclone was expected to sweep across the country increasing the amount of rainfall and flooding in most parts of the country.[1]
This was after heavy rains were recorded in most parts of the country especially in Harare n the night of 1 February. The rains resulted in flooding in most parts of the city with some major roads such as the Harare-Bulawayo road coming to a standstill for a while. Other areas which recorded heavy rains include Buffalo Range (98mm), Mukandi (56mm), Masvingo and Hwange (32mm), Lupane and Gokwe (31mm), and Guruve (24mm) in the week to January 30, 2015.[2]
Picture Gallery
A Flooded River in Zimbabwe
Flooded Streets
Flooding in One of the Residential Areas of Zimbabwe
People Retrieving a Car from A River in Zimbabwe
==
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 E. Chikwati, One Person Missing After Flash Flooding,The Herald, published:3 Feb 2015,retrieved:3 Feb 2015"
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 E. Zindi, Met issues flood warning,Byo 24, published:1 Feb 2015,retrieved:2 Feb 2015"
