FLOODS that have been recorded in parts of Masvingo and Matabeleland provinces since the onset of the rainy season in November 2025 have claimed lives and damaged homesteads and schools.
This is revealed in the latest Famine Early Warning Systems Network released last month.
“In November, flash floods occurred in Masvingo and Matabeleland. They resulted in deaths in some cases and damage to a small number of homes and schools,” the report said.
According to Fews Net, the rains have also affected artisanal mining activities in the affected provinces.
Many poor households do some artisanal, small-scale mining each year as an additional income source, especially during the December to February lean season” it said.
“Authorities are issuing warnings that mining can be especially dangerous this year due to continued risk of floods and dangerous conditions in some mining areas because of soaked ground.”
The report said in the past year, during the lean season from December to February, floods killed miners.
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The report added that with the ground already wet, there would be more flooding than was typical during the December to March rainy season.
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Indications were that floods will mainly but not only occur in the southern areas, with artisanal and small-scale mining activities likely to be affected in some areas, negatively impacting income from this source.
“Following some fatalities early this rainy season, authorities have warned of the risks associated with such activities where no proper safety measures are available.
“This is likely to reduce the number of people engaging in small-scale mining and the amount of time they devote to this income source, decreasing incomes,” Fews Net said.
In November last year, a hailstorm left a trail of destruction in Gwanda town and surrounding areas, causing flash floods that damaged homes, property and infrastructure.
Tsholotsho and Binga districts in Matabeleland North are prone to flooding during the rainy season.
