Country: Zimbabwe Source: International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies Please refer to the attached file. Description of the Event Date of event 24-01-2026 What happened, where and when? Zimbabwe faced a severe and evolving flood emergency during the 2025/26 rainfall season that lasted until March with persistent heavy rains and storm events across the country. Especially from January to February. Between 13 and 24 January 2026, intense rainfall caused dam spillages, riverine overflow, and flash flooding in multiple areas, and the situation, which began in early January, worsened further in late January. This escalation led the Department of Civil Protection to request support from the Zimbabwe Red Cross Society to deliver lifesaving assistance to affected families. For all February 2026, Hydrological conditions remained extremely concerning. According to the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA), several major dams were full or over-spilling, including Tugwi Mukosi, Manjirenji, Manyuchi, and Bubi-Lupane dams, significantly increasing downstream flood risk. Controlled and uncontrolled spillages have already resulted in river flooding, marooning of communities, damage to agricultural land, and destruction of bridges and irrigation infrastructure. At least 109 people were confirmed dead due to rainfall-related incidents, including drowning, people being swept away by floodwaters, and lightning strikes, while 61 people were injured. Nationwide, an estimated 8, 295 households (41, 475 people) were affected, with many families displaced and in urgent need of shelter and basic assistance. Several communities were cut off as damaged infrastructure led to marooning incidents where floodwaters severed access routes. (Data as of 25 Jan. 2026) For weeks, the conditions isolated communities, restrict humanitarian access, and further disrupt access to social services, particularly for learners who cross rivers or travel long distances to reach schools. With that situation prolonged to march, the access and limited assistance available make the need for displaced communities still persistent. ZRCS DREF operation bridging that gap.
Zimbabwe Flood 2026 – DREF Operational Update (MDRZW027), 28 July 2026
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