Ten people have drowned in Masvingo during the past month while trying to cross flooded rivers.

Police in the province have since warned people to avoid crossing flooded rivers, as heavy rains have left many rivers busting to their seams.

Masvingo police spokesperson Inspector Peter Zhanero confirmed the deaths.

Insp Zhanero said most of the drownings were recorded in Chiredzi, Gutu and Bikita.

"Over the past 30 days 10 people drowned in various rivers across the province and most of the drownings were recorded in Chiredzi, Gutu and Bikita.

"In most cases the people who drowned were trying to cross flooded rivers while others drowned while swimming," said Inspector Zhanero.

He said most of the people who drowned were young people and warned people against crossing flooded rivers, especially at this time when the rain season has started.