HARARE, March 18 (Xinhua) -- At least 132 people have been killed and 72 others injured as a result of heavy rains across Zimbabwe since the start of the rainy season last October, the country's Department of Civil Protection (DCP) said Wednesday.

In its latest situation report, the DCP said the heavy rains have damaged infrastructure at 237 schools, 15 health facilities and at least 25 bridges nationwide, adding that most roads in rural areas and the capital were extensively affected and require rehabilitation.

The rains have also triggered water-borne diseases, with an increase in malaria cases recorded in Bikita District of Masvingo Province, the DCP said.

"Since the beginning of 2026, Bikita District has been recording an average of about six malaria cases per week," said the department, adding that from Feb. 23 to March 1, the number of cases increased significantly to 20, surpassing both the alert and outbreak thresholds for the district.

Last month, the Zimbabwean Ministry of Health and Child Care warned of the heightened risk of water-borne diseases due to the wet conditions.

Zimbabwe's rainy season typically runs from October to March, with heavy rainfall that sometimes causes flooding in some areas. ■