The ZBC reports 38 artisanal miners are feared dead following flooding of shafts at two mines in Battlefields near Kadoma.
34 of the miners went underground at Silver Moon Mine and another four at Cricket Mine in Muzvezve constituency last night before the mines were flooded.
Police Spokesman for Mashonaland West Province, Inspector Clemence Mabweazara said civil protection teams are being activated with heavy duty pumps required to drain the water from the mines.
He also said water levels in the two mines shafts are still rising, raising fears the 38 miners could have drowned.
According to Mashonaland West Provincial Administrator, Cecilia Chitiyo, RioZim has provided one pump while a request has also been made with Zimplats to provide rescue services.
Ms Chitiyo said many pumps and generators are needed before operations to search for survivors and bodies may begin.
ZBC