ZINWA Issues Flood Alert As Tugwi-Mukosi Dam Reaches 99.6% Capacity

The Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA) has warned that Tugwi-Mukosi Dam, the country’s largest inland water body, is close to spilling after heavy rainfall in the catchment area.

In a public notice on Tuesday, 30 December 2025, ZINWA said water levels had risen to 99.6% and could overflow “at any time if inflows continue.”

The authority urged communities downstream to stay on high alert, avoid crossing flooded rivers, and secure or remove any water abstraction equipment from river channels.

ZINWA had issued a similar warning on Monday, 29 December, when the dam’s water level stood at 99.4%. The notice reads:

“The Zimbabwe National Water Authority would like to advise the public that due to increased rainfall activity within the catchment area of the country’s largest inland water body- Tugwi-Mukosi Dam, water levels in the lake have significantly increased to the extent that the dam is now expected to spill any time from now should the wet spell continue.

“As of December 29, 2025, water levels at Tugwi-Mukosi have risen to 99.4%, and the dam is expected to fill up and spill in the coming days.

“In view of the above, the Authority wishes to advise the general public and communities downstream of the dam to be on high alert given the increased probability of flooding.”

ZINWA further warned downstream communities to avoid crossing flooded rivers, closely monitor the movement of children and livestock, as well as securing their irrigation equipment.

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