Several communities in Chivi District are counting their losses after powerful winds damaged schools, homes and businesses on Saturday evening.
The storm ripped roofing sheets from buildings, leaving several properties exposed and disrupting daily activities.
Among the worst-affected institutions are Jenya Primary and High School, Maramba Primary School and Mandamabwe Primary School.
The winds tore through classroom blocks, exposing desks, books and other learning materials to the harsh weather.
Consequently, the destruction has sparked concerns about the safety of learning environments and possible interruptions to lessons.
Parents and school authorities are now seeking immediate assistance to restore damaged infrastructure.
“We are appealing for urgent assistance because the situation at Mandamabwe Primary School is not good. Six teachers’ houses had their roofs blown off by the strong winds,” a community member said.
Chivi residents count losses after devastating storm
Residents described the storm as sudden, saying the powerful winds caught many households off guard.
Although several properties sustained damage, communities expressed relief that nobody lost their life.
“The rain caught us unaware. The strong winds blew away our roof, but we thank God that no one was injured,” the resident said.
The hailstorm also uprooted trees and left buildings damaged across affected communities.
“We experienced a heavy hailstorm which uprooted trees and destroyed roofs,” the community member said.
The destruction has increased pressure on local communities to mobilise resources and restore damaged properties.
MP calls for community support to repair damaged schools
Chivi North legislator Honourable Godfrey Mukungunugwa visited some affected schools following the storm.
He assessed the destruction and urged parents to unite in rebuilding damaged school infrastructure.
“I encourage parents at the various affected schools to work together to ensure that the damaged infrastructure is repaired, enabling our children to return to a normal learning environment,” he said.
Meanwhile, the latest destruction comes after another hailstorm struck parts of Masvingo last month.
President Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa subsequently declared that incident a State of Disaster.
The declaration aimed to facilitate resource mobilisation and support communities affected by the disaster.
The latest incident has once again highlighted the vulnerability of rural infrastructure to severe weather conditions.
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