Staff Writer
As heavy rains are anticipated in early February, concerns are growing over the increased risk of flooding across the country, particularly in areas where rivers are prone to bursting their banks.
The Climate Action Coalition of Zimbabwe (CACZ), together with its partners Youth Empowerment and Skills Development Association (YESDA) and Green Institute Zimbabwe, warned in a joint statement released on Wednesday that citizens should exercise extreme caution and avoid crossing flooded rivers during the rainy period.
“The early February rains present a disturbing trend, especially given the number of lives lost every year due to people attempting to cross flooded rivers,” said Blessing Matasva of Green Institute Zimbabwe, which works in collaboration with the Climate Action Coalition of Zimbabwe.
“We are urging communities to prioritise safety and avoid taking unnecessary risks, no matter how urgent the journey may seem.”
Matasva noted that climate change has intensified extreme weather patterns, making river levels unpredictable and dangerous. “What may appear to be shallow water can quickly become deadly due to strong undercurrents and sudden surges,” he said.
YESDA representative Ishmael Kupfuwa echoed the call for vigilance, highlighting the vulnerability of young people and rural communities.
“We are calling on citizens, especially youths, to take responsibility for their safety and that of others by avoiding flooded rivers and unsafe crossings,” Kupfuwa said. “No destination is worth a life, and communities must take weather warnings seriously during this rainy season.”
The Climate Action Coalition of Zimbabwe and its partners also appealed to local authorities and community leaders to strengthen community awareness and promote safer alternatives as the country braces for potentially hazardous weather conditions in the coming weeks.