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Floods Kill 134 In Zimbabwe as Rains Continue to Ravage Communities<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
By A Correspondent- Zimbabwe is facing a severe crisis as the 2025\/26 rainy season continues to batter the country, with the latest report from the Department of Civil Protection confirming that 134 people have died so far.<\/p>\n
The report also highlights 56 cases of people being marooned and damage to 237 schools.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe rising levels in water bodies and flooding of rivers have prompted cases of marooning, people being swept away, huts collapsing, and communities cut off from essential services,\u201d the statement reads.<\/p>\n
Infrastructure has suffered greatly, worsening the hardships for many communities.<\/p>\n
On Sunday, traffic was halted for nearly an hour at Shangani Bridge along the Gweru\u2013Bulawayo Highway after the bridge was submerged in floodwaters.
Gweru District Development Coordinator Tarisai Mudadigwa said, \u201cThis is the first time the Shangani Bridge has ever flooded.<\/p>\n
The area, bordering Midlands Province, recorded more than 170mm of rain in just nine hours.\u201d<\/p>\n
The floods also disrupted school activities. Primary school pupils visiting a nearby wildlife sanctuary were forced to extend their weekend trip after vehicles could not pass through flooded streams.<\/p>\n
The Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA) has issued warnings about potential dam spillages and controlled water releases at Tugwi-Mukosi, Mutirikwi, and Manjirenji dams.<\/p>\n
Several dramatic rescues have been reported in recent weeks. In Zvishavane District, 16 gold panners were marooned in the Muchingwe River on 15 March but were rescued safely. In Chiredzi District, four men were saved on 13 March after attempting to cross the swollen Runde River.<\/p>\n
Tragedy struck in Muzarabani on 9 March when twin siblings, pupils at Utete Primary School, drowned while trying to cross a flooded stream on their way home.<\/p>\n
On 16 March, two men were swept away by the Munyati River in Gokwe while attempting to cross in a makeshift boat; one was rescued while the other remains missing.<\/p>\n
In response, the government has activated civil protection structures at national, provincial, district, ward, and village levels. Officials said funds have been released for disaster response, and humanitarian assistance \u2014 including food and essential supplies \u2014 is being distributed to affected households.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe situation is critical, and we urge communities to remain vigilant and follow safety advisories,\u201d the report added, emphasizing the need for continued caution as heavy rains persist.<\/p>\n
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