Heavy rain hits parts of Zimbabwe, breaks 42-year-old record, 60 gold miners feared dead
Heavy rain hit parts of Zimbabwe on Tuesday and Wednesday, February 12 and 13, 2019, causing floods in which up to 60 illegal gold miners are feared to have lost their lives.
The miners were trapped overnight Wednesday after a dam burst flooded two disused shafts in a mining town of Battlefields, 145 km (90 miles) southwest of capital Harare. Only 8 people have been rescued so far.
8 people rescued so far at silver moon and cricket mines which was declared a national disaster by gvt @ZBCNewsonline pic.twitter.com/KFpu1AkaUz
— meritzbc (@meritmunzwe) February 16, 2019
The Meteorological Services Department of Zimbabwe (MSD), said 203 mm (7.99 inches) of rain was recorded February 13 in the small town of Chiredzi, Masvingo province, breaking its 42-year-old daily rainfall record (98 mm / 3.85 inches set in 1977).
Mukadzi received 126 mm (4.96 inches) of rain during the same period, 75 mm (2.95 inches) at Beitbridge, 73 mm (2.87 inches) and 70 mm (2.75 inches) in Zaka.
MSD warned heavy rain was expected countrywide on February 14, resulting in possible flash flooding and infrastructural damage.
Although Zimbabwe has rich platinum, diamond, gold, coal and copper deposits, it's in the grip of a deep economic crisis.
Featured image credit: africanews
If you value what we do here, create your ad-free account and support our journalism.
Your support makes a difference
Dear valued reader,
We hope that our website has been a valuable resource for you.
The reality is that it takes a lot of time, effort, and resources to maintain and grow this website. We rely on the support of readers like you to keep providing high-quality content.
If you have found our website to be helpful, please consider making a contribution to help us continue to bring you the information you need. Your support means the world to us and helps us to keep doing what we love.
Support us by choosing your support level – Silver, Gold or Platinum. Other support options include Patreon pledges and sending us a one-off payment using PayPal.
Thank you for your consideration. Your support is greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
Teo Blašković
Commenting rules and guidelines
We value the thoughts and opinions of our readers and welcome healthy discussions on our website. In order to maintain a respectful and positive community, we ask that all commenters follow these rules:
We reserve the right to remove any comments that violate these rules. By commenting on our website, you agree to abide by these guidelines. Thank you for helping to create a positive and welcoming environment for all.