Jan 24, Kathmandu - Nine people have died after a vehicle was swept away by flash floods in Matabeleland South province in southern Zimbabwe. Police said the Toyota Noah was crossing the Tshangamutope River near Mukula village in the Philabushi region when it was swept away by a sudden flood.

The accident is said to have occurred when the driver was unable to control the vehicle due to the high water level in the river. Police said nine people, including seven adults and two children, drowned at the scene.

A search and rescue operation was launched following the incident, with the active assistance of local residents. After a long effort, all the bodies were recovered on Friday and the identification of the deceased and the necessary legal proceedings are underway, police said.

Police have urged the public to avoid using vehicles when the water levels in rivers and streams are high and to exercise caution in risky areas. Many areas of Zimbabwe have been affected by continuous heavy rains in recent months.

Floods, landslides and other natural disasters have killed more than 70 people so far and caused extensive damage to roads, bridges and other infrastructure across the country. The government and relevant agencies have said they have increased surveillance in the affected areas and intensified emergency preparedness to reduce risks.