Zimbabwe floods in pictures (Citizen Reports)

In Zimbabwe ten people have drowned and at least six others have been left stranded by swollen rivers in the north of the country.

Heavy rains have been falling throughout Zimbabwe since early last month and police are warning motorists not to cross the flooded rivers.

Eight of those who drowned were in a car that tried to cross the Ngwazani River in Mashonaland West Province, while two others drowned in the province’s Angwa River.

State radio says other motorists tried to warn the driver not to cross the river which had burst its banks. A baby is reported to be among the dead.

Police spokeswoman Charity Charamba said the body of the baby who drowned in the Ngwazani River was found along with seven adults during a recovery operation.

“Preliminary reports suggest seven of the dead are close relatives while the driver [was] a family friend,” the report said.

The driver apparently tried to cross the river despite warnings from other vehicle owners who had decided against crossing, after the river burst its banks.

In the Angwa River incident, two people drowned while six others were left marooned on an island in the middle of the river. The six, who were still trapped awaiting rescue, survived the flood waters by clinging to the branches of trees.

“The civil protection unit says helicopters cannot fly due to bad weather, thereby hampering rescue operations,” the ZBC said.

Rescue operations are being hampered by the rain which is preventing helicopters from taking off.