In an interview with zim NET radio on Tuesday, the Meteorological Services Department Director Dr Amos Makarawu, said that livestock was succumbing to low temperatures, which dropped to minus 12 degrees Celsius this week.

The most affected provinces are Midlands, Matabeleland South and Mashonaland East.

“The winter season is just starting now. Infact, it started last week but it’s going to get worse. For now, we have received reports of livestock dying due to the cold weather,” said Dr Makarawu.

Dr Makarawu said ground frost has been reported in most parts of the country and as a result, winter crops have been damaged.

He advised livestock farmers to build sheds to protect animals against the bad weather.

Farmers have also been encouraged to protect their cattle, goats and chicken against the low temperatures.

“We also urge horticulture farmers to implement mechanisms to protect crops against frost. We have since received reports that tomatoes have been damaged by the cold spell.

He said the winter season would drag until end of August.

“Even dairy milk is reduced during the winter season, therefore farmers should not worry,” said Dr Makarawu.

Reports from South Africa say at least three people have died due to the cold spell.

In Zimbabwe, the homeless, mainly streets kids, might die because of the clod weather.