At least 78 people have died across Zimbabwe since the onset of the rainy season, most of them after crossing flooded rivers, the Civil Protection Unit (CPU) has said.
CPU Chief Director Nathan Nkomo said the deaths were mainly caused by drowning and lightning strikes, with some incidents linked to mining activities, as the country experiences intensified rainfall and flash flooding.
The warning comes as the Meteorological Services Department (MSD) issued a high-risk flood alert, citing normal to above-normal rainfall, strong winds and the growing threat of tropical storms and cyclones.
Chief Forecaster James Ngoma said Zimbabwe is witnessing an increase in extreme weather events, with a shift from recent dry spells to a prolonged wet period, heightening the risk of flash floods in both rural and urban areas.
While the rains have raised hopes of a good agricultural season, several suburbs in the Great dyke have reported flooding that damaged property.
Authorities have urged communities to avoid flooded rivers and low-lying areas as climate change continues to make the rainy season increasingly unpredictable and dangerous.
