By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
Beitbridge District has been placed on high alert following warnings of continuous rainfall over the next 4 days, with Matabeleland South among provinces expected to receive excessive rain
Responding to the weather update issued by the Meteorological Services Department (MSD), Beitbridge District Civil Protection Committee chairperson, Mrs Sikhangazile Mafu, told Ziyah News Network the district has activated preparedness measures to respond to possible flooding and related emergencies.
“In cases of floods or any related emergencies, we shall use churches as evacuation centres,” Mafu said.
She urged residents to prioritise safety as the rains persist.
“Always keep safe and remain indoors, especially children and the elderly. Avoid parking vehicles under trees or old buildings, and do not attempt to cross flooded rivers,” she said.
The highest expected rainfall for the week was on Monday 28.1mm Tuesday 5.18mm Wed 1.29mm by Thursday it will be 0.59 Friday 0.61
The weather forecast for Monday 12 January 2026 indicates partly cloudy to mostly cloudy conditions across Matabeleland South, with isolated showers and thunderstorms likely, some of which may be heavy in places.
MSD has warned that localized downpours could result in flooding, especially in low-lying and flood-prone areas.
In Beitbridge, flooding has already been recorded in known high-risk zones, including Dulibadzimu Stadium and the Rank hostels area.
The situation has disrupted economic activity, with business at Rank Market coming to a standstill after water streams flowed through trading spaces.
Residents said such flooding has become a recurring challenge, as the affected areas experience inundation almost every rainy season.
The highest expected rainfall for the week is Monday (28.1 mm), Tuesday (5.18 mm), and Wednesday (1.29 mm).
By Thursday it will drop to 0.59 mm, and on Friday it will be 0.61 mm.
The Civil Protection Committee has called on community members to remain vigilant, heed official warnings, and report emergencies promptly as the district braces for further rainfall in the coming days.