Harare, (New Ziana) – Harare residents were urged to remain indoors on Tuesday due to predicted dangerous thunderstorms and heavy rains expected to hit the city, according to the Meteorological Services Department (MSD).
In a statement, the MSD and city authorities identified several areas considered particularly vulnerable to flooding and storm-related incidents, including Budiriro Paddocks, Kuwadzana Paddocks, Mbare, Highfield, Glen Norah, Glen View, Warren Park D, Waterfalls/Hopley, Chitungwiza and Borrowdale Vlei.
Residents in and around these areas have been strongly advised to avoid unnecessary movement between 1pm and 8pm when the risk was expected to be highest, with motorists and pedestrians warned against attempting to cross flooded
rivers, bridges or other waterlogged areas.
The warning comes barely a day after a violent hailstorm struck Masvingo City on Monday evening, damaging homes, vehicles and infrastructure and leaving scores of families counting losses.
The Masvingo City Council said the storm caused extensive damage to residential properties and other infrastructure, with roofs blown off, windows and gates damaged and vehicles affected.
Preliminary assessments reported at least 60 households affected, while some families were forced to seek temporary accommodation after their homes were damaged.
The City of Masvingo later opened Mucheke Hall and Rujeko Hall to accommodate families whose homes were severely damaged, as authorities and the Civil Protection Unit began assessing the extent of the destruction.
The Masvingo storm also demonstrated how quickly severe weather can turn into a flooding emergency, with heavy rainfall accompanying the destructive winds and hail.
Against this backdrop, Harare residents have been urged to take the latest warning seriously and prepare before the storms develop.
The authorities have advised residents who can do so to remain indoors between 1pm and 8pm, while families living in flood-prone areas have been encouraged to take precautions before rainfall begins.
The MSD has previously warned that thunderstorms can bring a combination of lightning, strong winds, heavy downpours and flash flooding, making seemingly short-lived storms potentially dangerous.
With Masvingo still assessing the damage from Monday’s storm, authorities are urging Harare residents to use the warning window to prepare rather than wait for flooding or storm damage to occur.
New Ziana
