Rainy Season Claims Nine Lives as Storms Wreak Havoc Across ZimbabweZimbabwe’s rainy season has so far claimed nine lives and caused widespread destruction, according to the Department of Civil Protection (DCPAs of November 7, the disaster management team has documented the impact of severe weather on 43 households, 10 schools, and significant infrastructure across several provinces.
In an interview with State media, DCP Chief Director Mr Nathan Nkomo provided details of the fatalities and damage. In Chirumanzu District, a child died when a house collapsed during a storm on November 2.
“The storm, accompanied by strong winds, caused severe damage in Wards 4, 15 and 19. Eight households were severely affected and are in urgent need of assistance. Sadly, in Village 16 of Ward 4, one child died after a house collapsed due to the heavy storm,” Mr Nkomo said.
On the same day in Silobela, Kwekwe District, eight miners tragically lost their lives after being trapped underground due to flooding.
In the Midlands Province, the Dadaya Training Centre suffered major storm damage. “Most classroom roofs, teacher cottages, power lines, and other infrastructure were affected. Fortunately, there were no recorded fatalities or injuries,” Mr Nkomo noted.leaving eight families homeless. Moffat Primary School and Musena Secondary School sustained structural damage, including the roof of a two-classroom block being blown off, but no casualties were reported.
In Matabeleland South, the District Civil Protection Committee provided temporary shelter for displaced families. Area legislator Cde Fisani Moyo pledged US$200 worth of groceries and accommodation for those affected. On November 5, five families in Gwanda Urban were left homeless after their dwelling’s roof was blown off.
Storms have also heavily damaged educational infrastructure across the country. The Makwe Irrigation Scheme in Gwanda District suffered hail damage on September 29, while Bengo Secondary School lost parts of its roof on October 27. In Masvingo, windstorms on October 27 destroyed seven out of nine roofs at Njovho Primary School, affecting 1,206 learners and numerous teachers.
The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education is assessing damage and coordinating emergency repairs. Mr Nkomo stressed the urgency of addressing the destruction: “We need adequate resources—tents, food and non-food items. The urgent release of funds by Treasury is critical for disaster preparedness and recovery.”
Efforts are ongoing to support affected communities, with tarpaulin tents and 150kg of rice already dispatched to assist eight households in Chirumanzu District.
