HEAVY rains will continue to pound Zimbabwe until January 3 next year, the Meteorological Services Department has said.  In a statement yesterday, MSD said heavy falls in excess of 50mm in 24 hours were expected in some places.

The department advised the public to be wary of floods and risks associated with the expected heavy rains.MSD also said the current circulation was favourable for meaningful rainfall development.

Meanwhile, the Department of Civil Protection also issued a similar warning regarding floods in some parts of the country as heavy rains continue to fall. The department's acting director Ms Sibusisiwe

Ndlovu said areas with a high risk of floods included those in Mashonaland East, Mashonaland West, Mashonaland Central, Matabeleland North and Manicaland.

Ms Ndlovu said low-lying areas were at risk of flash floods. She warned people living downstream of Zambezi River to be vigilant of floods.

DCP acting director advised people to heed warnings and keep a watch on rainfall activity. "It is critical to listen to warnings and generally observe rainfall activity and avoid venturing out unnecessarily," she said.

DCP has already dispatched teams to these flood prone areas who would be on alert to deal with any occurrences. Head of public weather services for the Met Department, Mr Tich Zinyemba said rainfall in excess of 80 millimetres was expected in the Mashonaland provinces, Harare, Matabeleland North and parts of Manicaland.