ZimDRRRisk Knowledge Platform

Data & Risk

Zimbabwe Country Profile

A national overview of Zimbabwe's disaster risk context, governance and knowledge base.

Disaster risk context

Zimbabwe is a landlocked country in Southern Africa exposed to a range of climate-related and biological hazards. Recurrent droughts — increasingly intensified by El Niño and climate change — are the most widespread threat, undermining food security and water supplies for millions. The country is also periodically struck by devastating tropical cyclones, most notably Cyclone Idai in 2019, as well as seasonal flooding, disease outbreaks and veld fires.

Disaster risk management is coordinated nationally by the Department of Civil Protection, working with line ministries, the Meteorological Services Department, local authorities, UN agencies and civil society. National efforts are aligned with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030.

Priority hazards

Agricultural & Hydrological DroughtDisease OutbreaksRiverine & Flash FloodsTropical Cyclones & Storms

Key facts

Capital
Harare
Population
~16.3 million
Provinces
10
Region
Southern Africa
Land area
390,757 km²
DRR authority
Civil Protection
Sendai Framework
2015–2030

People affected (recorded)

20,669,092

Economic losses

$736.5M

Tracked hazards

8

Partner organizations

8