Rain-Related Fatalities Rise to 109 as Heavy Rains Devastate Communities Nationwide

Zimbabwe rain-related deaths rise to 109 as heavy floods destroy homes, damage schools and strain emergency response, with thousands of households affected nationwide (image source)

The death toll from rain-related incidents in Zimbabwe has risen to 109, up from 79 last week, as sustained heavy rains continue to affect large parts of the country. The latest Civil Protection Unit (CPU) situation report shows 8,295 households affected, 334 homes destroyed and 236 schools damaged, placing infrastructure, livelihoods and essential services under severe pressure.

Manicaland recorded the highest number of fatalities at 36, followed by Mashonaland West with 19 and Matabeleland South with 16. Harare Metropolitan Province reported the largest number of affected households at 5,093, highlighting the vulnerability of urban areas to flash flooding and drainage failures. The CPU said roads, bridges, schools, health facilities, irrigation schemes and farm dams have sustained extensive damage, disrupting access to education and healthcare in several districts.

Deaths have been attributed to lightning strikes, drowning and collapsing infrastructure, with emergency response efforts strained by the scale and frequency of incidents. In one of the deadliest recent events, nine people drowned in Insiza District, Matabeleland South, when their vehicle was swept away while attempting to cross the Shangamtope River at Mulula Mtshingwe Resettlement Area. Local CPU committees provided maize assistance to affected families, but officials said relief needs far exceed available resources. In Beitbridge District, heavy rains between 11 and 16 January affected at least 114 people, destroying food stocks, clothing and household items. Authorities linked much of the destruction to fragile rural infrastructure and unreinforced mud housing prone to collapse during prolonged rainfall.

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The CPU has called for intensified public education on rainfall hazards through social media, mainstream media and community radio, and urged the urgent mobilisation of tents, food and non-food items for displaced families. Funding gaps remain significant. The 2025/26 National Multi-Hazard Contingency Plan requires US$96.17 million; so far, US$3 million has been received. Provinces have been allocated US$30,000 each for emergency response and 50 metric tonnes of maize per province. Zimbabwe is also coordinating regional humanitarian assistance under ZimAid, supporting Malawi and Mozambique following severe flooding. Acting President Dr Kembo Mohadi recently handed over 300 metric tonnes of grain and other supplies to Mozambique, while the first consignment to Malawi has been dispatched.

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With the rainy season ongoing, the CPU urged communities to avoid crossing flooded rivers, take safety precautions and report emergencies quickly. The extent of damage and limited resources highlight the urgent need for immediate relief as well as long-term investment in resilient infrastructure, early-warning systems and community preparedness.