The Zimbabwe weather services department on Friday issued a flood alert for areas in the north and east of the country heavy rains with gusty winds and hail.
Violent thunderstorms were also forecast in the three Mashonaland provinces, Harare, Matabeleland North and parts of Manicaland province, an advisory from the Meteorological Services Department said.
The heavy rains started Friday and were set to continue through next week.
"Naturally there will be heightened risk of flash flooding principally in susceptible places and poorly drained soils,” the weather service said. Officials said they were expecting some areas to receive rains in excess of 80 milliliters or 3 inches.
Meteorological Department Officer Tichaona Zinyemba told VOA the Civil Protection Unit had been activated and was monitoring the situation. He urged people in flood-prone localities to seek higher ground and not to attempt to cross flooding rivers.
"There is a high risk that rivers will be flooded," Zinyemba said. "What we can advise people is that they must not cross rivers because they may be swept away.
Tsholotsho Senator Believe Gaule, whose constituency lies within the area considered subject to flooding, urged his constituents to exercise caution.
