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Sikhumbuzo Moyo, [email protected]

A truck loading river sand at Tshangani River near Zinyangeni Business Centre in Nkayi District, Matabeleland North, was completely submerged on Friday last week when water levels suddenly rose rapidly.

According to a situation report on rainfall-induced and drowning incidents from the Civil Protection Unit (CPU), the truck’s engine failed to start, and the driver went to seek help. Upon his return, the river had overflowed, and his truck was submerged with only a small tip of it protruding.

“A truck loading river sand in the river was suddenly submerged when the water level rose rapidly. The engine failed to start, prompting the driver to seek help. Upon his return, he found the river had overflowed, but fortunately, no one was trapped inside the submerged vehicle,” said the CPU.

The CPU also noted that since the start of the 2024/25 rainfall season, a total of 28 deaths have been recorded across the country, with Manicaland Province recording the highest number at six, followed by Mashonaland Central and Masvingo Provinces, which have each recorded four deaths. Bulawayo and Matabeleland North have recorded two deaths each. Only one death occurred in Matabeleland South Province, while the rest of the provinces have recorded three deaths to date.