UPDATE | Festive Rains Kill 61, Destroy 500 Homes Nationwide

At least 61 people have died across Zimbabwe during the festive season due to persistent rains that triggered flooding, dam spillages, and widespread destruction. The heavy rainfall has affected over 500 households and caused property damage worth over US$100,000.

According to a Civil Protection Unit (CPU) report covering incidents between Christmas Day and New Year's Eve, fatalities and infrastructure losses were recorded in several provinces, with low-lying and semi-arid areas being the worst hit. In one incident, a man in Nkayi, Matabeleland North, was swept away while attempting to cross a flooded stream using a donkey-drawn scotch cart. His body was later recovered after a search operation.   Follow & Share Our WhatsApp Channel

Zimbabwe is currently in its peak rainfall season, and authorities have warned of the dangers posed by unsafe river crossings, settlements downstream of dams, and weak infrastructure. The Meteorological Services Department had warned of widespread rains, while the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (Zinwa) confirmed that several major dams were full or near capacity.

CPU chief director Nathan Nkomo urged communities to avoid flooded rivers and heed official advisories, saying: "Communities living downstream of dams must remain vigilant and cooperate with civil protection structures." The report notes that 538 households were affected, 10 people were injured, and infrastructure including roads, bridges, schools, and clinics were damaged, with estimated repair costs exceeding US$107,000.