At least 15 people have died, and 785 households, mainly in Midlands Province, have been affected by rains since September 2024. The storms have also damaged 118 schools and 13 health facilities, reported <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/rains-leave-15-dead-785-households-hit/">The Herald</a>.
In Midlands, 433 households have been impacted, while 181 households in Manicaland, 46 in Masvingo, and 47 in Matabeleland North have also been affected.
On January 11, Muponjane Primary School in Zvishavane was severely damaged by a powerful storm. The District Civil Protection Committee has estimated that repairs will cost US$8,120.
As floodwaters rise, two middle-aged men remain stranded along the Runde River near Citrus Plantation, with rescue efforts currently underway.
In Hwedza, three miners tragically lost their lives in a mine shaft disaster on December 27, and their bodies were recovered on January 3.
In Makaha, Mudzi district, three miners remain trapped underground after a shaft they were working in collapsed about 14 days ago.
All the trapped miners are from the same family, hailing from Mateta 1 Village under Chief Chireya in Gokwe.
In Mberengwa, two miners died when a shaft collapsed last Thursday.
Flash floods also hit Mbare, Harare, on January 8, inundating homes near the new Mbare Traders’ temporary market.
On January 7, a storm caused significant damage at Avonda Farm along the Bindura-Harare highway in Mashonaland Central, affecting 11 households and ripping off roofs, leaving families vulnerable.
In response, the Department of Civil Protection has provided essential relief items, including rice, tinned beef, and sanitisers, to those affected.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pindula News

Heavy rains have caused a lot of problems in Zimbabwe. 15 people have died, and many houses have been damaged. Schools and health facilities were also affected. Some miners got trapped underground, and some people are stranded near a river. The government is helping by giving food and other important things to those affected. It's a very sad situation, and many families are in need of help. Rescue efforts are ongoing to help those in danger. People are hoping for better weather soon to stop more damage from happening.

Heavy Rains Leave Trail Of Destruction Countrywide; 15 Killed, 785 Households Affected

The Meteorological Services Department (MSD) has forecasted that most parts of the country will experience heavy rains, thunderstorms, and flash floods until Saturday, January 11, 2025.
In an advisory issued over the weekend, the MSD predicted that heavy downpours exceeding 50 millimetres (mm) within 24 hours are expected across the country. The advisory noted:
<blockquote>
An abundance of moisture in the atmosphere, brought by a cloud system, has been causing rainfall across the country since late December 2024 and continues into January 2025.
Matabeleland North, northern areas of Midlands, Harare Metropolitan, northern parts of Manicaland, and all Mashonaland Provinces are expected to receive scattered thundershowers from 5–8 January 2025.
</blockquote>
The MSD said that additional moisture from the southeast coast of Southern Africa on Wednesday evening would result in cloudy, windy, and cold conditions over Matabeleland South, Masvingo, and Manicaland Provinces. The MSD added:
<blockquote>
By Friday, January 10, the rain showers are expected to intensify in the southern parts of Mashonaland West, Mashonaland East, and Harare Metropolitan Provinces, with rainfall exceeding 50mm in 24 hours.
</blockquote>
The MSD also issued a warning about potential flooding, even in areas that might not have experienced heavy rains, as floods can result from upstream rainfall.
Violent storms could lead to falling trees, blown-off rooftops, and collapsing billboards due to strong winds.
The department advised the public to secure their rooftops and properties, avoid parking vehicles under trees, refrain from standing under trees or being the tallest object to prevent lightning strikes and avoid using outdoor heavy machinery during storms.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The weather department says there will be lots of rain and floods until January 11. Rain will be heavy and may cause flash floods. Some areas will have thunderstorms. People should be careful of falling trees and collapsing roofs. It's important to secure your home and avoid being outside during storms. The rain will be most intense in certain provinces, so people need to be extra cautious there. Stay safe and listen to the weather warnings.

Met Department Warns Of Heavy Rains And Floods Until January 11

The Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services (ARDAS) has urged farmers to complete their planting as the risk of a short growing season increases.
This advisory follows a statement from the Meteorological Services Department (MSD), which indicated that the current wet spell is expected to last until the middle of this month.
In an interview with <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/wet-spell-to-continue-till-mid-january/">The Herald</a>, ARDAS Chief Director Leonard Munamati said time is running out for farmers who have not yet planted their crops. Said Munamati:
<blockquote>
Areas have received rainfall during the festive season, and we are quite excited because most areas received heavy rainfall.
Farmers who have planted are now expecting germination and looking forward to improved rains.
Most crops are currently in the vegetative stage, allowing for fertiliser application. We encourage split applications to enhance crop conditions.
Time is running out, and we want our farmers to plant on time.
</blockquote>
Agritex Deputy Director Rutendo Nhongonhema urged farmers to embrace effective agronomic practices to enhance germination and accelerate crop growth. She said:
<blockquote>
We should come early with our top dressing and subsequent top dressing should be frequent with a small amount of top dressing being applied so that we give our crop a comparative advantage and it grows fast to cater for the heat units.
</blockquote>
She encouraged farmers to monitor for pests, particularly the fall armyworm, which is most prevalent from December to January, and recommended conducting checks at least twice a week. Added Nhongonhema:
<blockquote>
Up to 50 percent losses can be incurred if weeds are not managed properly. Farmers are encouraged to implement an integrated weed management plan.
This includes chemical, physical, and biological control. During incessant rains, it may be difficult to use chemical control, so we advise methods like slashing, hand-pulling, or using hoes.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Farmers are being told to finish planting quickly because the growing season might be shorter than usual. There has been a lot of rain, which is good for crops. Farmers who have planted are waiting for their crops to grow, and they need to take care of them by using fertilizers and watching out for pests. Farmers should also manage weeds properly to avoid losing up to 50 percent of their crops. It's important to follow good farming practices to make sure the crops grow well.

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