Heat Wave in Zimbabwe Exacerbating Impact of Urban Water Shortages
Health Minister Henry Madzorera says residents should watch for heat stroke symptoms including diarrhea, vomiting and headaches
Zimbabwean authorities have advised people to drink lots of water, but that has not been so easy for residents of Harare suburbs like Hatcliffe, Budiriro and Mount Pleasant that have been without clean drinking water for weeks The Zimbabwe Meterological Services Department has declared a heat wave amid water shortages in a number of cities. Temperatures have topped 40 degrees Celsius in spots like Kariba, Masvingo, Binga and Victoria Falls and have been hovering over 35 degrees in many other locations. Such temperatures are expected through Sunday. Zimbabwean authorities were advising people to stay hydrated by drinking lots of water. But that has not been so easy for residents of Harare suburbs like Hatcliffe, Budiriro and Mount Pleasant which have been without clean drinking water for weeks. Health Minister Henry Madzorera says residents should watch for symptoms including diarrhea, vomiting and headaches, and take steps to combat the effects of heat. Public Weather Services chief Tich Zinyemba said high temperatures are not unusual in October, but current conditions are unique due to atmospheric and climate changes. A Dzivarasekwa resident who gave his name as Manyenga said residents are worried about the heat wave which comes on top of power cuts and water shortages. Kamhamba, a resident of Bulawayo, said that although things have cooled off in the last day or so, residents of the country's second largest city are still struggling to cope