Climate Mapping
Happiness Foundation maps drought, flood, and climate-vulnerability data across Zimbabwe so our education, donation, and event programs reach the communities that need them most first.
Zimbabwe's Climate Reality
Zimbabwe is repeatedly named among the countries most exposed to climate change while having some of the weakest resources to adapt. Rainfall has become shorter and more erratic since the 1980s, drought frequency has roughly doubled since 1980, and the country is regularly hit by cyclones, dry spells, and flash floods.
The 2024/25 El Niño drought was severe enough that a national disaster was declared, and the 2025/26 rainy season brought the opposite extreme: widespread flooding linked to a La Niña weather pattern damaged homes, schools, and roads across several provinces and contributed to regional deaths and displacement.
Province Risk Overview
A simplified snapshot based on recent drought and flood reporting. This is educational context, not an official hazard map - always follow guidance from the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA), the Meteorological Services Department, and local civil protection units.
| Province | Primary Risk | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Matabeleland North | Severe, recurring drought | Severe |
| Matabeleland South | Drought & flash flooding | High |
| Bulawayo | Drought & water scarcity | High |
| Manicaland | Cyclones & flooding | High |
| Masvingo | Drought & food insecurity | High |
| Mashonaland West | Seasonal flooding | Medium |
| Mashonaland Central | Rainfall variability | Medium |
| Mashonaland East | Rainfall variability | Medium |
| Midlands | Drought & dry spells | Medium |
| Harare Metropolitan | Urban flash flooding | Medium |
Based on publicly reported drought and flood impact data from UNDP, the World Bank, and regional disaster reporting for the 2024-2026 seasons. Risk levels are relative and can change season to season.
What Happiness Foundation Is Doing
- Tracking public drought and flood reports so donation drives and community events prioritize the hardest-hit provinces first.
- Publishing free, plain-language climate education alongside our existing education hub.
- Directing a share of public donations toward emergency relief when a province is declared a disaster area.
- Partnering with volunteers on the ground to verify local needs before we allocate resources.
Stay Safe: Official Sources
For real-time warnings, always check official channels rather than social media alone:
- Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA) - flood and dam-level warnings
- Meteorological Services Department of Zimbabwe - weather and cyclone alerts
- Department of Civil Protection, Ministry of Local Government - disaster response
- ReliefWeb.int - independent, aggregated humanitarian reporting for Southern Africa
Help Us Map and Respond
Every donation helps us reach communities facing drought and flooding faster.
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