Heavy rains flood Bulawayo suburbs as emergency teams respond

Bulawayo Fire Brigade Chief Fire Officer Mhlangano Moyo

BULAWAYO — Several high‑density suburbs in Bulawayo were left flooded after heavy rains battered the city from Tuesday afternoon into the evening, city fire and emergency officials said.

Bulawayo Fire Brigade Chief Fire Officer Mhlangano Moyo said the worst‑affected areas include Luveve 5, Emakhandeni, and Pelandaba West. He attributed the flooding to blocked weep holes that prevented stormwater from draining away, causing water to accumulate in residential sections.

“The flooding has been attributed to weep hole issues, which have resulted in water accumulation in residential sections,” Moyo said.

Emergency teams were dispatched to assess damage and assist affected residents. Local fire and rescue crews focused on:

• Evacuating residents from the most inundated homes where necessary.

• Clearing access routes to allow relief vehicles and ambulances to reach affected areas.

• Assessing structural risks to houses and communal infrastructure.

Authorities urged residents to avoid driving through deep water and to report blocked drains and damaged infrastructure to municipal services.

Causes and recurring challenges

City officials and community leaders pointed to recurring factors that worsen urban flooding:

• Blocked stormwater drains caused by litter and poor waste disposal.

• Unregulated construction on wetlands and low‑lying areas reduces natural drainage.

• Inadequate maintenance of drainage infrastructure, including weep holes and culverts.

Urban planners and environmental advocates say addressing these root causes requires coordinated action between municipal authorities, community groups, and residents to improve waste management, enforce planning regulations, and maintain drainage systems.

Advice for residents

Authorities recommended practical steps for residents during and after heavy rains:

• Avoid walking or driving through floodwater.

• Move valuables and important documents to higher ground inside the home.

• Report blocked drains and damaged infrastructure to the Bulawayo City Council or emergency services.

• Follow instructions from emergency teams and local leaders.

Municipal crews will continue clearing drains and inspecting vulnerable areas. Officials said they will prioritise repairs to weep holes and stormwater channels and urged communities to support clean‑up efforts to reduce future flood risk.

Bulawayo flooding 2026