Zimbabwe: Floods - Jan 2026

Since the start of the year, heavy rains have triggered severe floods across Zimbabwe, with Manicaland Province, which borders Mozambique, being the most affected. The floods caused fatalities and destruction. As of 24 January, media reports indicate 83 fatalities, the destruction of more than 1,300 homes, and widespread damage to roads, bridges and schools, many of which have been cut off. Additional rain with isolated heavy showers is expected on 26 January across the country except the southern region, while on 27 January precipitation is forecast only for the western and northern parts of Zimbabwe. (ECHO, 26 Jan 2026)

Zimbabwe continued to experience intense and persistent rainfall, leading to widespread impacts across all ten provinces. As of 25 January, more than 100 people had died and nearly 32,350 people had been affected, with 334 houses, 15 health facilities, and 236 schools damaged. Several flood-related incidents have been reported, including drowning, people being marooned in flooded rivers, mine collapses, landslides, and lightning strikes. Critical infrastructure, including roads and bridges, schools, health facilities, houses, farm dams, and irrigation schemes, has also been damaged. (UNOCHA, 27 Jan 2026)

Widespread rains lead to high flood risk, but improved harvest prospects, According to the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA) 104 dams were 100 percent full, with the government warning of flooding in downstream and other flood-prone areas. Average dam levels are expected to rise further, given the forecast average rainfall for the rest of the season, including a chance of cyclones. (FEWSNET, 02 Feb 2026)

As of 24 January 2026, at least 109 people have been confirmed dead due to rainfall-related incidents, including drowning, people being swept away by floodwaters, and lightning strikes, while at least 61 people have sustained injuries. Nationwide, an estimated 8,295 households (41,475 people) have been affected, with many families displaced and in urgent need of shelter and basic assistance. Several communities remain isolated due to damaged infrastructure, with multiple marooning incidents reported as floodwaters cut off access routes. (IFRC, 13 Feb 2026)