Harare — Heavy rains are falling across Zimbabwe and the Meteorological Services Department has warned people living in low-lying areas of flash floods while the police have warned drivers and pedestrians not to cross flooded rivers or bridges.

The latest bands of rain started in the west before spreading to Mashonaland Central and West and the heavy rains will cover the entire country until at least tomorrow.

The Met Dept has warned that some areas would receive rainfall in excess of 50 mm putting low-lying areas at risk of flash flooding.

Danger zones include parts of Matabeleland North and South, Bulawayo, Midlands, Masvingo and Mashonaland West and Central.

The highest rainfall over the past two days was received in Beitbridge (53mm), Kezi (45mm), Kwekwe (37mm) and Plumtree (33mm).

Victoria Falls, Zaka and Lupane all recorded 30mm, Zvishavane 27mm and Gokwe 27mm over the same period.

The department said the Matabeleland provinces, Bulawayo, Midlands and Masvingo were expected to continue receiving heavy rains, while increased cloud activity accompanied by morning rains and afternoon thundershowers would characterise the rest of the country.

"The department also advises that the heavy rains will cover the greater part of Mashonaland province by Sunday.

"Heavier amounts should, however, be confined to the Mashonaland West and Central areas. Because of the heavy falls expected, there is risk of localised flash flooding in low-lying areas," it said.

Yesterday officials from Zinwa, the Civil Protection Unit and the Met Department met to discuss and plan responses to the threat of flooding.

Heavy rains have damaged roads in Beitbridge.

The worst affected are roads leading to the border post and feeder roads in Dulibadzimu suburb, where huge potholes have become a common feature.

Other roads extensively damaged are those leading to areas like Zezani, Shashe and Tshikwalakwala growth points.

The downpours started with heavy thunderstorms on October 30, with a record high of 35,1mm.

In recent years, there have been a number of cases of drowning after pedestrians and vehicles were swept away by water at flooded bridges.

"We urge the public to be very careful during this period. They should not attempt to cross flooded rivers," a police spokesman has said.

He said parents should never leave their children unattended near wells, rivers and dams.

Supt Phiri said motorists should also not try to cross suspect bridges, especially in rural areas where emergency relief was not immediately available.

On lightning, Supt Phiri urged people to be cautious and avoid open spaces and isolated tall trees and infrastructure during thunderstorms.

He cautioned schoolchildren in particular to resist the temptation to seek shelter under trees during storms.