HARARE – Zimbabwe is grappling with the devastating aftermath of relentless heavy rains that have battered the nation during the 2025-26 season. The Department of Civil Protection (DCP) has reported a grim tally of 70 lives lost, 51 people injured, and over 1,000 homesteads destroyed as of yesterday.
The DCP’s report, compiling rainfall-related incidents recorded between January 1 and 9, 2026, paints a dire picture, with Manicaland province bearing the brunt of the disaster. As the rainy season intensifies, provinces continue to submit updates on the escalating impacts.
Manicaland has suffered the most significant damage, with 510 households affected and a tragic death toll of 41, alongside 31 injuries. Mashonaland West has also been severely impacted, reporting 19 deaths.
Other provinces have also felt the force of the downpours. Reports received by the DCP from Midlands, Matabeleland, and Harare Metropolitan provinces confirm that heavy rains have affected people across these regions, with one death recorded.
In the capital, Harare, the heavy rains of January 4 triggered flooding in Dumbujena Street, Mbare, and New Canaan, Highfield. The Local Government and Public Works ministry received numerous distress calls as residents struggled to cope with the rising waters.
The downpour has also taken a toll on infrastructure, with the DCP reporting that 37 schools across several provinces have been affected by rainfall-related incidents. Other damaged infrastructure includes the Buhera Civil Registry, inmate blocks at Khami Prison, and several health institutions.
The Combined Harare Residents Association (CHRA) has criticised city leaders, accusing them of misplaced priorities, persistent neglect, and a failure to rehabilitate drainage infrastructure.
“Over the years, the local authority has been allocating housing stands on wetlands, open spaces and waterways, exposing residents to flooding and other natural disasters,” said CHRA, led by Reuben Akili.
The association further stated that declining revenue inflows had pushed the city to rely on land sales to pay salaries, a practice that was later halted by a directive from the Local Government ministry.
Harare mayor Jacob Mafume acknowledged the challenges posed by the flooding, but also welcomed the rains, which are expected to boost water supplies.
“Unfortunately, the rains came with their own problems, but we will deal with the effects of flash flooding and improve the drainage system. We remain thankful for the rains,” Mafume said, adding that council engineers were on the ground.
The City of Harare issued a separate statement, confirming that it was on high alert following days of relentless rainfall that triggered flash flooding in low-lying areas, including Mbare, Highfield, Waterfalls, Warren Park, Budiriro, and Glen Norah.
Acting town clerk Phakamile Mabhena Moyo urged residents to remain vigilant and take precautionary measures as the city works with the Civil Protection Department to mitigate flood risks.
Residents were advised to monitor weather alerts, adjust travel plans, avoid parking under trees, refrain from dumping litter in drains, and assist in deblocking drainage systems near their properties.
“To avoid congestion due to rain, we encourage motorists to adjust travelling times and leave the CBD early,” Mabhena Moyo said.
In the wake of the flooding, a city environmental team, led by acting head of strategy Amos Muguti, toured flood-affected areas. The team flagged Glen View 7, a development by Paradise Property Development Company, for lacking development permits and basic infrastructure.
“Our assessment revealed that there were no development permits or supporting documentation to make the area suitable for settlement. Despite this, numerous houses have already been built,” Muguti said.
“During our inspection, we noted the absence of basic infrastructure such as proper roads, sewer systems and water services. The development was neither serviced nor approved by the City of Harare. The developer proceeded to sell stands to beneficiaries, who, unfortunately, are the residents affected by the floods that occurred yesterday (Sunday).”
Muguti added: “We will engage the developer through our district offices to ensure the installation of both off-site and on-site infrastructure and to address road design, sewer and water systems, as well as the reopening and proper design of drainage channels.”
The situation remains critical as the rainy season continues, and authorities are working to provide assistance to those affected and to mitigate further damage.
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