City of Harare Issues Flash Flood Warning To Suburbs, Urges Residents To Monitor Weather Alerts

City Of Harare Issues Flash Floods Warning To City Suburbs

The City of Harare has told residents they must track weather alerts after issuing an urgent flash flood warning. This comes as heavy rains submerged streets in suburbs across the capital. The warning, issued on 5 January 2026, follows reports of flooding in areas including Mbare, Highfields, and Waterfalls.

In a public notice, Acting Town Clerk Eng P.M. Moyo stated the city was working with the Civil Protection Unit (CPU). The notice urged caution.

“We encourage residents and property owners in the low lying areas to track weather alerts, be on watch for possible flooding and take appropriate action to avoid risks,” the notice read.

It further advised, “all residents to take heed of the flood alerts and avoid crossing flooded streams.”

Residents Describe “Man-Made” Flood Chaos

Despite the council’s warning, many residents believe the crisis was preventable. According to The Herald, severe flooding affected suburbs such as Budiriro and Glen View, and even swamped roads near the council’s Town House.

Resident Dean Chidavayenzi from Kuwadzana argued the flooding was not just due to rain.

“Surely, we haven’t received enough rain to justify this; these are man-made floods,” Chidavayenzi said. “It is ironic that this flooding is happening just a spitting distance from Town House.”

The report described Leopold Takawira Road as a “fast-moving river,” causing motorists and pedestrians to be stranded.

Calls For Help As Floods Become “Perennial Challenge”

With roads impassable and vehicles being damaged by water-filled potholes, frustration with the local authority is mounting. Residents are now looking for intervention beyond the city council to solve a problem they say repeats every year.

Another resident, Maxwell Kuziva, expressed this frustration directly.

“Council has failed; Central Government must chip in. We complained last year, and it seems this has now become a perennial challenge,” Kuziva said.

The council’s notice cited a forecast of “normal to above normal rains” from the Department of Meteorological Services. However, the immediate flooding has sparked serious questions about the state of the city’s drainage systems and preparedness for the rainy season.