Zimbabwe issues flood warning amid heavy rain expectation

Zimbabwe's Meteorological Services Department has warned of flooding in some parts of the country due to heavy rains expected in the coming days.

The African country's Civil Protection Unit (CPU) also warned of possible landslides in hilly slopes and crop damages.

The meteorological authority said the heavy rains, expected from Dec. 14 to 17, could exceed 90 millimeters in 24 hours in the northern, eastern and central parts of the country.

The ground in some areas is already soaked due to heavy rains that have been pounding the country since Christmas and the expected rains would therefore heighten the risk of flooding.

"We are alerting responsible authorities such as Civil Protection Unit, police and local authorities to be on the alert for the duration of this period," the department was quoted as saying by the Herald newspaper on Friday.

CPU acting director Sibusisiwe Ndlovu said runoff will be high in most parts of the country as well as increased landslides in hilly slopes in vulnerable areas.

"Children should be supervised at play, on their way to and from school. It is also advisable to monitor houses in case they succumb to excessive moisture," she said.

Zimbabwe suffered its worst drought in 30 years in 2016 and is hopeful of better rains this year to ensure national food security.

Last year's drought left 5 million people out of the country's 14 million population in need of food aid. Endit