ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the effectiveness of a flood warning in Zimbabwe, using the case of the recent Tokwe-Mukorsi flood, building on results from interviews conducted with key stakeholders in Zimbabwe, analysed to evaluate the effectiveness of the flood warning system involved. It focuses on accounts given of the flood disaster using first-hand information from key informants, literature written by scholars and media articles on the incident. The chapter argues that carefully demarcated decentralisation of decision-making is a key component in helping to avoid delays in communicating the danger to the people at risk of flooding and allow for a timely response by everyone involved A flood warning system should allow national and local authorities to make decisions on protecting the lives of the public, infrastructure, properties, the environment and agriculture, as well as planning for aid that may be needed before and after the flood event.
