Harare, (New Ziana) –Harare residents and property owners in low-lying areas have been urged to be vigilant and closely monitor weather reports amid the risk of flash floods.

In a statement, Harare Town Clerk Phakamile Moyo said city authorities are working with the Civil Protection Unit (CPU) to respond swiftly to emerging incidents.

“The Meteorological Services Department (MSD) has advised that Harare is expected to receive normal to above-normal rainfall this season. With the current heavy rains, we have already received reports of flash floods in areas such as Mbare, Highfields, and Waterfalls,” he said.

Moyo urged residents in flood-prone zones to stay alert, take precautionary measures, and avoid crossing flooded streams.

“The City of Harare, in collaboration with the CPU, is advising all residents to heed flood warnings and prioritize safety,” he added.

According to the National Multi-Hazard Contingency Plan (2025–2026), L above-normal rainfall seasons often bring extreme weather events, including heavy storms, cyclones, flooding, and flash floods.

These can result in damage to infrastructure, displacement of communities, disruption of services, and loss of livelihoods.

Meanwhile, Harare residents are accusing the city council of negligence as flash floods swamped streets and homes following heavy rains, with severe flooding in several suburbs including Mbare, Highfield, Waterfalls, Budiriro and Glen View.

Major roads in the city centre were also inundated, bringing traffic to a standstill leaving both both motorists and pedestrians stranded.

Ironically, some of the worst flooding occurred just outside the council headquarters as Leopold Takawira Road, which runs between Town House and the Department of Works, was transformed into a fast-moving river, with water levels reaching knee-height in places.

New Ziana