More than 13,000 households in Masvingo are dealing with extensive damage after a powerful hailstorm hit the city.
The storm struck on Monday evening, bringing violent winds, heavy rain and large hailstones.
Within minutes, the weather system caused widespread destruction across several parts of the city.
Homes lost roofs, while shattered windows exposed families to further damage.
Strong winds also brought down trees and damaged property, businesses and public infrastructure.
Residents said the storm developed suddenly and left little time to prepare.
“We never expected a storm of this magnitude. The strong winds and hailstones caused serious damage, with trees uprooted and some structures affected. Many people have lost property, and repairing the damage will require a lot of resources,” a Masvingo resident said.
Another resident described the storm as sudden and destructive.
“The storm came suddenly and left a trail of destruction. Roofs were damaged, windows were shattered and a lot of our property was destroyed.”
Schools and University Facilities Suffer Damage
The storm also disrupted schools and other educational institutions across Masvingo.
Ndarama High School suffered damage to buildings, facilities and other school property.
The destruction has affected normal learning activities at the institution.
“The hailstorm also caused significant damage here at Ndarama High, school property and infrastructure. Some facilities were affected, and this has disrupted normal learning activities,” Head of Ndarama High School Mr Oddy Matongo said.
Great Zimbabwe University also reported damage following the storm.
The affected facilities include its graduation venue, lecture rooms and student accommodation.
As a result, the university postponed its graduation ceremony.
Officials moved the event from Wednesday to October 23.
Government Assesses Damage as Assistance Mobilises
On Tuesday afternoon, provincial officials visited several areas affected by the storm.
Masvingo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Honourable Ezra Chadzamira led the assessment.
Masvingo Mayor Councillor Alec Tabe and other provincial officials joined the visit.
They met residents while inspecting damaged homes and infrastructure.
Councillor Tabe said authorities were assessing the scale of the destruction.
He added that the city was working with Government and other partners.
“The damage caused by this hailstorm is quite extensive, and as the city authorities we are concerned about the impact on our residents and infrastructure,” Councillor Tabe said.
Honourable Chadzamira said the initial assessment showed widespread damage.
Families, businesses, schools, utilities and infrastructure all suffered impacts from the storm.
“We have come out to assess the extent of the damage caused by this devastating hailstorm. From what we have seen, a number of families, businesses, schools, infrastructure and utilities have been affected,” Honourable Chadzamira said.
Meanwhile, the Civil Protection Department continues assessing the affected areas.
Government and its partners are also working to mobilise emergency resources.
Authorities have made Mucheke Hall available as an evacuation centre.
Affected families can use the facility while officials coordinate assistance.
The immediate focus remains on supporting families and damaged institutions.
Authorities also aim to restore essential infrastructure and normal activities across the affected communities.
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