Africa-Press – Zimbabwe. A total of 59 people have died since the start of the 2025/26 rainfall season, with 33 schools, four health facilities and 538 households damaged or destroyed.
In its eighth situation report covering the period from 14 to 24 December, the Civil Protection Unit (CPU) said the total cost of damage to property and infrastructure now stands at US$107,402.
Manicaland recorded the highest number of deaths, with 23 fatalities, followed by Mashonaland West with 19. The Midlands Province reported 12 deaths.
Of the 33 schools damaged, Masvingo Province was the worst affected, with seven schools impacted.
Mashonaland East, Mashonaland Central and Midlands each recorded damage to six schools, while Matabeleland South reported five affected schools. CPU said:
“This report highlights rainfall-related incidents that occurred during the period 18–24 December 2025.
“The Meteorological Services Department (MSD), in conjunction with the Department of Civil Protection (DCP), issued an advisory warning the public to watch out for heavy rains exceeding 50mm, accompanied by lightning and strong winds.
“As the country continues to receive high rainfall amounts, widespread impacts threatening lives, health, shelter, livelihoods and public infrastructure are being experienced.”
According to the report, five members of one family were stranded on an island along the Tekwane River in Bulilima District on 21 December after attempting to cross the river using a scotch cart.
They were unable to continue when they reached the island, as the water on the other side was flowing too strongly.
The family remained marooned for five days before council rangers eventually managed to rescue them.
In a separate incident on 22 December, three women were stranded while travelling from Botswana at the confluence of the Shashane and Simukwe rivers, near the border.
Although the incident was reported on Christmas Eve, rescue teams were initially unable to reach the area due to swollen rivers and flooded bridges, making Sub-Aqua operations impossible.
After the District Civil Protection Committee requested air support, the women were airlifted to safety and taken to Tshelanyemba Hospital for medical checks and psychosocial support.
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