Home Editors' Pick Police warns public from crossing flooded rivers as 10 die in Midlands

Police warns public from crossing flooded rivers as 10 die in Midlands

by commuadmin

CommuTalk Reporter

GWERU – The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has warned the general populace to desist from crossing flooding rivers saying there has been a sad increase in sudden deaths due to drowning and lightning in the Midlands Province.

Midlands Police spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko urged communities to be wary of drownings and other dangers associated with heavy rains and flooding that have come as a result of recent continuous rains.

“At least 10 deaths have been recorded during this month of January 2025 while several others have been hospitalized after incidents of drowning and lightning in Midlands Province,” Insp Mahoko said.

“Normal rains result in increases of volumes of water in rivers, in the process, putting lives of people at risk as some find themselves out of their homes when it’s raining, swimming or being tempted to cross flooded rivers while undertaking important journeys or activities,” he added.

According to statistics provided by the police, three deaths of people who slipped and fell into a flooded river were recorded in Silobela and Mberengwa while two others were struck by lightning as they were working in their fields.

Five of the remaining deaths were juveniles for which three drowned while swimming in Zvishavane and Nembudziya respectively while one other drowned while swimming in a bin full of water in Silobela.

One other 10-year-old girl was attacked by a crocodile while playing in a flooded Kwekwe River.

The police have thereby urged people to practice safety when planning journeys and to always supervise children and keep them cautioned not to expose themselves to rain and flood related hazards.

Motorists were also urged not to drive across flooded bridges as they risk being swept away and lose their lives.

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