BULAWAYO, Feb 18 (NewsDayLive) -The Meteorological Services Department (MSD) has warned that Matabeleland South, Bulawayo and the Midlands provinces will receive heavy rainfall in excess of 70mm accompanied by strong winds between Wednesday and Thursday.
Most parts of the country have had good rains since last week after a two- week-long dry spell.
In a notice on Monday, the MSD in conjunction with the Civil Protection Unit warned residents in the red-flagged areas to take precautionary measures to avoid loss of lives and property to the anticipated heavy downpours.
“A thick cloud is slowly approaching the western borders of the country from Botswana. It is expected to be coupled by moisture from the north-west and that from the south-east," the MSD said.
"This is anticipated to cause heavy rainfall (exceeding 70 mm) as well as strong winds in provinces such as Matabeleland South, Bulawayo Metropolitan, Midlands and southern parts of Matabeleland North, effective from noon of Wednesday 19 February till the early hours of Thursday.
“There is a chance of flash floods in flood- prone areas, in river basins. Roadsmay also be slippery and visibility reduced by rainfall, thus requiring a need for increased braking distance. There may also be fallen trees and power-lines. Therefore the public is advised to take precautionary measures as advised by the Civil Protection Unit," the weather experts warned.
Some parts of Bulawayo are susceptible to flash floods. These include Cowdray Park, Sizinda and Nketa, with Beitbridge in Matabeleland South province also at high risk of flooding.
- Climate change forces Zim to finally take up irrigation
- CPU ready to deal with disasters
- Mine accidents claim 107 lives
- Veld fire headache for govt
