11 Jul 2019 | 08:04 AM UTC
Zimbabwe: Power outages continue, affect Harare airport (HRE) as of July 10 /update 1
“Load shedding” power outages continue nationwide as of July 10, with power outages occurring outside regularly scheduled blackouts; Harare’s Robert Mugabe International Airport (HRE) affected by blackouts
Event
Zimbabwe's regular power outages have intensified in recent weeks and affected operations at Robert Mugabe International Airport (HRE) in Harare as of Wednesday, July 10. Rotating power cuts, or "load shedding," have been implemented in recent months, though have increasingly occurred outside scheduled periods due to a mechanical failure at a thermal power plant in late June. The outages may cause flight or operational disruptions at HRE. Further cuts to electricity are expected in the near term and may persist until November.
Context
Zimbabwe relies on hydroelectric power plants along the Zambezi River for much of its electricity. An ongoing drought has reduced water levels at key power stations by 15 percent and is expected to continue until the rainy season in November.
Advice
Individuals in Zimbabwe are advised to anticipate power outages and associated disruptions, keep battery-operated devices fully charged when possible, and maintain flexible itineraries.
