Floods in the Midst of Drought: Impact of Tropical Cyclone Idai on Water Security in South-Eastern Zimbabwe

Abstract

The simultaneous occurrence of floods and drought has not been well researched. The aim of this chapter is to assess the impact of tropical cyclone Idai on water security in the south-eastern parts of Zimbabwe. Secondary data and document analysis were the prime sources of data for the research. In-depth interviews with key informants as well as earth observation techniques were also employed. Results show that the south-eastern parts of Zimbabwe had received below-normal rainfall when tropical cyclone Idai occurred. The area also witnessed higher than normal temperatures during the 2018/19 rainfall season which, together with the below-normal rainfall, led to widespread crop failure. Due to the cyclone, the Save valley and south-eastern Lowveld of Zimbabwe, which are mostly drought stricken, benefited from improved water security. This was evident by significant improvements in available surface water and groundwater resources. On the eastern side of the catchment, there was significant damage to water infrastructure and water security. This saw the complete damage to urban and peri-urban water reticulation systems, damage to and silting of dams as well as irrigation infrastructure. It is strongly recommended that the build back better concept be adopted in the recovery, rehabilitation and reconstruction of the water infrastructure destroyed by the cyclone.