Mtshabezi River floods submerge bridge, trigger emergency alerts in Gwanda

The flooded Mtshabezi River covering the bridge

HARARE, ZIMBABWE – The Mtshabezi River has burst its banks at the Mtshabezi Bridge along Blanket Mine Road, with water levels surpassing previous records after heavy rains pounded Gwanda district. Authorities say the situation remains critical as floodwaters continue to rise, damaging infrastructure and threatening lives.

The Civil Protection Unit (CPU) confirmed that the powerful current has destroyed makeshift crossings in the area.

“The powerful flow has destroyed the low-hanging makeshift bridge and the second makeshift footbridge near the prison camp at Hamden Plots,” the CPU said.

Floodwaters have also swept away gardens at nearby prison plots, while several riverside properties have been affected. Assessment teams are currently on the ground evaluating the extent of the damage.

Authorities stressed that the flooding is a direct result of sustained heavy rainfall and not dam releases.

“The flooding is due to heavy rains and not the opening of Dondoriyo Dam,” the CPU said.

Alerts have been activated for communities downstream of the Tuli River, Mtshabezi River, and Mzingwane River, as water levels continue to rise across the region. Officials also warned that the Mayfair Dam is at capacity and expected to overflow imminently.

The CPU said it is investigating reports of a possible drowning at Dondoriyo Dam. Separately, reports from Blanket Mine Farm at Dunbuck Mine indicate that miners were swept away by floodwaters, with some survivors stranded in trees awaiting rescue. Authorities are working to verify the reports and coordinate emergency response efforts.

Residents in flood-prone areas have been urged to move to safer ground and avoid crossing rivers.

“We urge members of the public to stay away from rivers and vacate homes in flood-prone areas,” the CPU warned.

Disaster management officials say the situation remains fluid, with further rainfall likely to worsen conditions in already saturated catchment areas.

The flooding highlights growing risks across southern Zimbabwe as heavy rains continue to fill rivers and dams beyond capacity. Experts warn that communities near major water bodies face heightened danger of flash floods, infrastructure damage, and displacement during peak rainfall periods. Authorities say updates will be issued as assessments continue and rescue efforts intensify.

Mtshabezi River flooding