Death Toll from Rain-Related Incidents Rises to 109 Nationwide

By Staff Reporter
The death toll from rain-related incidents across the country has risen to 109, up from 79 reported last week, as persistent heavy rains continue to affect large parts of Zimbabwe.

According to the latest situation report by the Civil Protection Unit (CPU), the humanitarian impact of the 2025/26 rainy season is escalating, with 8 295 households affected nationwide. At least 334 homes have been destroyed, while 236 schools have sustained damage.

Manicaland Province remains the hardest hit in terms of fatalities, accounting for 36 deaths since the start of the season. Mashonaland West follows with 19 deaths, while Matabeleland South has recorded 16.

Harare Metropolitan Province has the highest number of affected households, with 5 093 recorded cases, followed by Matabeleland South with 1 600 households and Manicaland with 510.

“Owing to the incessant rains, the Department of Civil Protection is overwhelmed with responses to incidents countrywide,” reads the CPU report.
“The country has witnessed loss of lives, livelihoods and property, extensive infrastructure damage, incidents of drowning and marooning of people in flooded rivers, mine collapses, landslides and lightning strikes, among others.”

The report notes that critical infrastructure has suffered extensive damage, including roads, bridges, schools, health facilities, irrigation schemes, farm dams and residential properties. This has raised concerns over disrupted services, limited accessibility, and the impact on education and healthcare delivery in affected areas.

One of the deadliest recent incidents occurred in Insiza District, Matabeleland South, where nine bodies were retrieved last Friday from the Shangamtope River at Mulula Mtshingwe resettlement area in Ward 19. The victims drowned after the vehicle they were travelling in was swept away while attempting to cross the flooded river the previous day. Bereaved families later received maize grain assistance from the district CPU committee.

In Beitbridge District, heavy rainfall over a five-day period—from Sunday evening, January 11, to Friday, January 16—caused widespread destruction, affecting at least 114 people, particularly in remote rural communities.

“Heavy and incessant rains caused significant damage in Beitbridge District, mainly affecting homesteads in isolated rural areas,” the CPU said.

Conditions were most severe in Tshapongwe Village, Luthomboni, Tshibora and Malala, where households lost essential property, including food stocks, clothing, bedding and kitchen utensils.

The CPU attributed much of the damage to fragile rural infrastructure, noting that many homes constructed from unreinforced mud were particularly vulnerable to collapse during prolonged rainfall.

As the rainy season continues, the CPU has called for intensified public education and awareness campaigns on rainfall-related hazards through social media, mainstream media and community radio stations. The department has also appealed for the urgent mobilisation of tents, food and non-food items to assist affected communities.

Each year, the CPU coordinates a review of the National Multi-Hazard Contingency Plan ahead of the rainy season. Earlier this year, it was revealed that US$96,17 million is required to fully fund the implementation of the 2025/26 plan.

“To date, the Department of Civil Protection has received US$3 million and allocated US$30 000 per province for emergency response. Each province has also been allocated 50 metric tonnes of maize grain,” the CPU said.

Beyond Zimbabwe’s borders, the CPU is coordinating humanitarian assistance under the ZimAid programme to support Malawi and Mozambique, both recently affected by severe flooding. At least 32 000 people were affected in Malawi, while Mozambique recorded 723 500 affected people and 124 deaths.

The first consignment of aid destined for Malawi has already been dispatched. On Wednesday, Acting President Dr Kembo Mohadi officially handed over humanitarian assistance to Mozambique, with Ambassador Mr Carvalho Muaria receiving 300 metric tonnes of grain, medical supplies, timber, blankets and other essential supplies.

Source: Chronicle