ZIMBABWE is set to experience heavy rains in the coming days, raising the risk of flooding in parts of the country, according to a regional weather update by the Famine Early Warning Systems Network (Fews Net).
In its latest report released recently, Fews Net said northern and eastern Zimbabwe were among the areas expected to receive significant downpours next week as the weather system intensifies over much of southern Africa.
The forecast followed a week of moderate to locally heavy rainfall recorded across several countries in the region, including Angola, Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique.
“Next week, heavy rainfall is predicted over northern and eastern southern Africa, including central and northern Angola, central and eastern Zambia, Malawi, northern and eastern Zimbabwe, Mozambique, northeastern South Africa, Eswatini and northern Madagascar,” the report read.
Fews Net also noted that while
northern parts of Zimbabwe have recorded below-average rainfall over the past 30 days, the central and southern regions have experienced above-average precipitations during the same period, improving moisture conditions in those areas.
However, the impending heavy rains could pose new challenges.
The report warned that the forecast downpours increases the likelihood of localised flooding, particularly in low-lying communities and areas close to rivers.
“The forecast of heavy rainfall increases the risks for flooding over many local areas,” it added.
According to the United Nations Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs, rains that fell across Zimbabwe in January killed 123 people and affected over 250 000 others.
More than 1 300 families were displaced.
The rains caused significant infrastructure damage, leaving 211 bridges, over 200 schools as well as 15 health facilities ruined.
Cholera outbreaks in Zambia and Mozambique have raised public health concerns.-newsda
