Story by Online Reporter
ZIMBABWE Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) has urged electricity consumers and the general public to prioritise safety measures, including avoiding fallen power lines and promptly reporting damaged infrastructure, following heavy rain warnings issued by the Meteorological Services Department (MSD) with effect from Tuesday, 20 January 2026.
In a statement, the power utility warned that heavy rainfall and strong winds often damage electricity infrastructure, increasing the risk of electrocution, power outages and property loss, particularly in flooded and storm-prone areas across the country.
ZETDC advised members of the public to treat all fallen or low-hanging electricity lines as live and to avoid approaching them, particularly in wet conditions where water can conduct electricity.
The company urged the public to report any damaged infrastructure, including fallen poles, sparking wires or substations affected by flooding, to its 24-hour contact centre on 704 or at the nearest customer service centre.
“If you see any fallen or low-hanging power lines, stay away. Never attempt to move or touch them. Water on the ground conducts electricity; approaching a line in wet conditions can be fatal. Report any fallen poles, sparking wires, or substations affected by flooding to our 24 hour contact centre on 704 or your nearest Customer Service Centre,” ZETDC said in a statement.
Consumers were also reminded to exercise caution indoors by avoiding contact with electrical appliances, switches or sockets when hands or floors are wet. ZETDC said households experiencing flooding should switch off electricity at the main switch, provided it is safe to do so.
The utility further advised customers to unplug non-essential electronic devices during thunderstorms to protect equipment from power surges caused by lightning.
ZETDC also cautioned that electricity supply restoration may take longer during periods of heavy rainfall, as technical teams are required to observe strict safety protocols, including suspending work on overhead power lines during active storms.
The power utility said the measures are necessary to safeguard both the public and its personnel as the country experiences heightened weather-related risks.
