Water levels at the Tokwe Mukorsi Dam currently under construction rapidly rose to 671 meters above sea level on 3rd February 2014 creating a flood emergency that threatens close to 20 000 people in the basin. On 4th February the water level was 5 meters from overflowing thus extending the scope and extent of the emergency by threatening a further 40 000 people downstream. Heavy incessant rains are set to continue in the catchment.
Given the magnitude of the threat to extensive flooding, His Excellency, the President Cde. RG Mugabe has declared a State of Disaster in regard to the basin of Tokwe Mukorsi Dam, and areas downstream as far as the Triangle area. This Declaration is in terms of Subsection (1) of section 27 of the Civil Protection Act [Chapter 10 : 06; which provides that if at any time it appears to the President that any disaster is of such a nature and extent that extraordinary measures are necessary to assist and protect the persons affected or likely to be affected by the disaster in any area of the country, the President may, in such a manner as he considers fit, declare that, with effect from a date specified by him, a state of disaster exists within an area or areas specified by him in the declaration.
Meanwhile, communities downstream of Tokwe Mukorsi Dam, along Tokwe River and its tributaries are at risk to flooding and must take necessary precautions to avoid danger. They are required to immediately move to at least 5km from the riverbank and seek higher ground. Those in the river basin must continue to make their way to designated pick up points in their areas for ease of evacuation.