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Zimbabwe

Situation Report No. 11, 4th March: Major incidents / issues associated with the rainfall season

Attachments

1. Zimbabwe Hydrological Update as at 4th March 2013 - Zinwa

  • Flows in the country’s major rivers have been increasing and decreasing in response to the rainfall activities in the country. A decrease in dam levels was recorded during the past week. There are moderate chances of flooding in the flood prone areas of Muzarabani, Gokwe, Middle Sabi, Tsholotsho and Chikwalakwala at the moment.

  • The Zambezi River flows have been increasing as a result of the rains being experienced within the country and the Zambezi upstream countries. As of today (4 March 2013) the flows are averaging 3490m3/s which is above the expected flows of 2018m3/s at this time of the year.

  • The Limpopo River levels remain low (2m) at the moment.

  • Lake Kariba is now at 72.2% full after gaining 1.3% volume since the 25th of February. The current lake level is well above the 45.3% level expected at this time of the year. A Press Release notifying stakeholders of the intention to spill the dam in March was issued two weeks ago and the exact dates of spilling would be notified in due course.

  • The national dams have decreased by 0.3% on average since the 25th of February 2013. The current level stands at 64.6% full on average.

  • In the Gwayi Catchment which covers greater parts of Matabeleland North Province, there has been a decrease in dam levels by 0.4% since the 25th of February 2013. The current dam levels stand at 82.9% full on average.

  • In the Mzingwane Catchment (mainly Matabeleland South Province), zero flows are still been recorded in the Bubye River at Bubye Bridge (B59). Dam levels in the catchment stand at 68.3% full on average.