At least 74 people have died, while infrastructure worth US$107 402 has been damaged since the start of the rainy season in October last year.
The adverse occurances included flash floods, strong winds, landslides and lightning, with heavy rains still persisting across the country.
In its latest update, the Civil Protection Unit (CPU) documented the deaths, showing the impact of the conditions has been felt across multiple provinces, prompting urgent responses from Government agencies and local authorities.
The CPU said Manicaland has the highest number of fatalities, with 32 deaths, followed by Mashonaland West with 19 and Midlands with 13.
Mashonaland Central and Matabeleland South each had three deaths, Mashonaland East had two, while Matabeleland North and Bulawayo recorded one death each.
The CPU said a total of 55 peope were injured, with Manicaland having the highest number at 41,followed by Matabeleland South with four.
Harare Metropolitan recorded three injuries, while Mashonaland West, Mashonaland East, and Mashonaland Central each reported two injuries.
The Midlands recorded one injury.
“The infrastructure damage incurred thus so far is valued at approximately US$107 402,” said the CPU.
“Fourty-one schools have been damaged, five health institutions and four bridges.”
Citing some of the incidents, the CPU said in Makoni District, Manicaland Province, three children were swept away while attempting to cross a flooded Rusape River on January 13, 2026, following the opening of Rusape Dam’s floodgates.
One child was rescued, while the body of another was recovered two days later after a community search effort.
In Mt Darwin District, on January 13, 2026, a mother and her two children, aged nine years and another nine months, were marooned, while panning in Ruya River.
“Fortunately, they were rescued the following day by the Sub Aqua Unit and the Zimbabwe National Army, and were subsequently referred to Karanda Hospital for medical examination,” said CPU.
“The CPU provided necessary fuel to facilitate these rescue operations.”
In Gwanda District, Matebeleland South Province, a lightning strike on January 8, 2026, took the life of one person and injured four others all gold panners who received medical assistance.
“Meanwhile, in Bikita District, Masvingo Province, a series of heavy rains on December 30, 2025, destroyed Blair toilets at Chiremwaremwa Primary School, leaving 105 girls without proper sanitation facilities. The structural integrity of 12 other toilets is now at risk of collapse,” the CPU added.
Additionally, two dams in Zaka District breached on January 12, 2026, leading to the destruction of nearby bridges, but no fatalities or homestead were damaged.
Nonetheless, considerable damage to agricultural fields and gardens was reported, highlighting the urgent need for reinforced dam infrastructure.
In Gweru District, Midlands province, a severe windstorm wreaked havoc at Shagari Primary School, damaging several classrooms significantly.
Authorities anticipate a need for assistance to restore the affected infrastructure.
In Seke District, Mashonaland East, increasing water levels at Dangarendove Dam have led to human-wildlife conflict, with three hippopotamuses now posing a threat to local communities.
“As a result, residents have stopped using canoes to cross the dam for daily activities, including school attendance and access to essential services,” said CPU.
The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education plans to establish a satellite school in Buma Bamara to accommodate learners affected by the disruptions.
In an interview with CAPITALK 100.FM last Thursday, Head of Forecasting at the Meteorological Services Department (MSD), Mr James Ngoma, indicated that this year’s rainfall was expected to be normal to above normal, suggesting a likelihood of exceeding previous precipitation records.
“The rains we expect are likely to surpass a number of areas,” he said. “Currently, as we stand, the Western half has received above normal rainfall.
“We have surpassed the normal in parts of the country, whereas the Eastern half remains in the normal range, but is slightly inclined to above normal.
“We still expect significant falls over this eastern part. We should get a bit of flooding in some areas, but it is localised and short-lived.”
According to a MSD daily report, scattered thunderstorms were experienced over much of Zimbabwe last Friday, with intense convective activity over much of Manicaland and Masvingo provinces.
Highest rainfall amounts, the MSD said, were received in Mutare Odzi (95mm), Beitbridge (49mm), Zvishavane (41mm), Zaka (31mm) and Bikita(27mm).
The remaining areas had rainfall amounts below 27mm. – Sunday Mail
