MARTIN MAWAYA
GWERU- Police in the Midlands Province are warning the public to take safety precautions amidst a rise in drowning incidents and lightning strikes during the ongoing rainy season.
According to Midlands Province police spokesperson, Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko, they have recorded 10 deaths due to drowning and lightning this month, with several others hospitalized.
“The rainy season normally starts in November and extends to April of every year. Normal rains result in an increase in volumes of water in water bodies, 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,” Mahoko said.
Some of the tragic incidences reported include three people drowning in Zvishavane, including two juveniles who died while swimming and an adult who was swept away while crossing a flooded river.
Additionally, two people slipped and fell into a well and a flooded river in Silobela and Mberengwa, respectively.
A juvenile also died in Nembudziya while swimming in a flooded river, and a 10-year-old girl was attacked by a crocodile while playing in a flooded Kwekwe river.
The police also reported that two people were struck by lightning in separate incidents while working in their fields.
Mahoko urged the public to consider basic safety practices to prevent such incidents, including avoiding being outside during heavy rains, staying away from tall objects, and never attempting to cross flooded rivers.
He also advised parents and guardians to keep children away from water bodies and ensure they are supervised at all times.
“Motorists are also urged not to drive across flooded bridges as they risk being swept away and end up losing their lives,” Mahoko added.
The police spokesperson emphasized the importance of public vigilance and adherence to safety guidelines to prevent further tragedies during the ongoing rainy season in the Midlands Province.
