Harare City Council Urges Residents to Leave CBD Early Amid Flash Flooding

Harare City Council has issued an urgent directive for residents to exit the central business district (CBD) early ahead of evening traffic, following a fresh wave of flash flooding that has inundated suburbs across the capital. The warning, dated January 13, 2026, comes as the Civil Protection Unit (CPU) and council teams respond to rising water in low-lying areas .

Acting Town Clerk Eng. P. M. Moyo confirmed the crisis is ongoing, with daily heavy rains overwhelming the city's drainage systems. The council's public notice states that Mbare, Highfields, Waterfalls, Warren Park, Budiriro, and Glen Norah have been particularly affected by the sudden inundation. Residents in these areas and motorists across the city are being urged to take immediate precautions .

The council advises residents and property owners in low-lying areas to track weather alerts daily, take heed of possible flood alerts, be on watch for possible flooding, and take appropriate action to avoid risks. Motorists are encouraged to adjust traveling times and leave the CBD early to avoid congestion. Emergency contact numbers for those in immediate danger are: +263 242 783982, +263 242 783983, +263 242 783984, +263 242 783987, +263 242 772375, and +263 242 761669 .

Residents have expressed frustration over the recurring flooding, labeling it a "man-made disaster" caused by poor spatial planning, corruption, and neglect of drainage infrastructure. They are calling for national intervention to address the chronic governance failure .