In
a
detailed
advisory
released
on
Friday,
council
warned
that
floods
remain
one
of
Zimbabwe’s
most
common
and
destructive
natural
hazards,
capable
of
striking
suddenly
and
with
little
warning.
Officials
cautioned
that
even
areas
that
appear
safe
during
dry
weather,
such
as
small
streams,
gullies,
culverts,
dry
streambeds
and
low-lying
open
ground,
can
quickly
turn
deadly
once
rains
intensify.
“Be
aware
of
flood
hazards
no
matter
where
you
live,
but
especially
if
you
live
in
a
low-lying
area,
near
water
or
downstream
from
a
dam.
Even
small
streams,
gullies,
creeks,
culverts,
dry
streambeds
or
low-lying
ground
that
appear
harmless
in
dry
weather
can
flood.
Every
area
is
at
risk,”
the
council
said.
The
local
authority
urged
homeowners
and
landlords
to
rethink
how
they
prepare
their
properties
for
the
rainy
season.
“To
prepare
for
flooding,
residents
should
avoid
building
in
floodplains
unless
homes
are
properly
elevated
and
reinforced.
Furnaces,
water
heaters
and
electrical
panels
should
also
be
elevated
if
they
are
susceptible
to
flooding,”
the
council
said.
Council
also
encouraged
the
installation
of
sewer
check
valves
to
prevent
floodwater
from
backing
up
into
homes,
the
construction
of
protective
barriers
such
as
levees
or
floodwalls,
and
sealing
basement
walls
with
waterproofing
compounds
to
prevent
seepage.
In
a
practical
measure
aimed
at
reducing
structural
damage,
residents
were
advised
to
create
weepholes
around
perimeter
walls
to
allow
rainwater
to
flow
freely,
preventing
pooling
that
can
cause
durawalls
to
collapse,
a
problem
reported
in
several
suburbs
during
previous
rainy
seasons.
Flood
impacts,
council
said,
can
be
localised,
affecting
a
single
neighbourhood,
or
widespread,
impacting
entire
river
basins.
Beyond
infrastructure,
BCC
stressed
the
importance
of
preparedness.
Residents
were
urged
to
save
emergency
contact
numbers
on
their
phones,
familiarise
themselves
with
evacuation
centres
in
their
areas
and
stay
informed
through
radio
and
television
updates,
especially
during
periods
of
persistent
rainfall.
“Be
aware
that
flash
flooding
can
occur.
If
there
is
any
possibility
of
a
flash
flood,
move
immediately
to
higher
ground.
Do
not
wait
for
instructions.
Be
mindful
of
streams,
drainage
channels,
canyons
and
other
areas
known
to
flood
suddenly,”
the
council
warned.
Motorists
were
also
cautioned
against
underestimating
floodwaters.
According
to
council
guidelines,
just
150
millimetres
of
moving
water
can
knock
a
person
off
their
feet,
while
the
same
depth
can
cause
vehicles
to
lose
control
or
stall.
At
305
millimetres,
many
cars
begin
to
float,
and
610
millimetres
of
fast-moving
water
can
sweep
away
even
SUVs
and
pick-up
trucks.
“Do
not
drive
into
flooded
areas.
If
floodwaters
rise
around
your
vehicle,
abandon
it
and
move
to
higher
ground
if
it
is
safe
to
do
so.
Both
you
and
the
car
can
be
quickly
swept
away,”
BCC
said.
For
households
that
may
need
to
evacuate,
residents
were
advised
to
secure
their
homes,
move
essential
items
to
upper
floors,
bring
in
outdoor
furniture
and
switch
off
utilities
if
instructed.
Electrical
appliances
should
never
be
touched
when
wet
or
when
standing
in
water.
“If
advised
to
evacuate,
do
so
immediately.
Close
all
windows,
lock
doors
and
proceed
to
designated
safe
areas
where
Fire
and
Emergency
Services
and
other
support
agencies
will
provide
assistance,”
the
council
said.
The
warning
did
not
end
when
floodwaters
recede.
Residents
were
urged
to
remain
cautious,
as
receding
water
can
conceal
weakened
roads,
unstable
foundations
and
serious
health
risks.
Floodwater
may
also
be
contaminated
with
sewage,
fuel
or
chemicals,
or
be
electrically
charged
due
to
damaged
power
lines.
“Avoid
floodwaters
as
they
may
be
contaminated
by
oil,
fuel
or
raw
sewage.
Stay
away
from
downed
power
lines
and
report
them
to
authorities.
Return
home
only
when
officials
confirm
it
is
safe,”
council
said.
Special
attention
was
also
drawn
to
children’s
safety
during
the
rainy
season.
Parents
and
guardians
were
urged
to
escort
children
to
and
from
school
and
discourage
them
from
playing
or
swimming
in
stagnant
or
fast-moving
water.
“Children
should
be
warned
against
swimming
in
pools
of
water,
as
muddy
conditions
increase
the
risk
of
drowning,”
the
council
said.
From
a
public
health
perspective,
residents
were
advised
to
wash
hands
frequently
with
soap
and
clean
water,
discard
food
contaminated
by
floodwater,
drink
safe
water,
eat
well
and
get
enough
rest.
They
were
also
urged
to
stay
tuned
to
official
updates
on
whether
community
water
supplies
are
safe
for
consumption.