Zimbabwe: Fake Weather Alert Sparks Flood Panic in Harare
Zimbabwe's Meteorological Services Department has officially debunked a viral social media message warning of severe floods in Harare. The department urged citizens to rely only on official channels for weather updates to prevent unnecessary public panic.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the dangers of misinformation during potential natural disasters and the importance of official government communication.
The Meteorological Services Department (MSD) has dismissed a weather warning circulating on social media saying it was not issued by the department.
The alert, which went viral on Tuesday warned of heavy thunderstorms and flash floods in several parts of Harare Metropolitan Province.
It listed Budiriro (Paddocks), Kuwadzana, Mbare, Highfield, Glen Norah, Glen View, Warren Park D, Waterfalls/Hopley, Chitungwiza and Borrowdale Vlei among areas allegedly at high risk.
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The message also advised residents to move valuables, important documents and medication to higher ground while warning parents to keep children away from open drains and rivers including the Marimba and Mukuvisi.
However, the MSD said the warning was fake and urged the public not to share it.
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