By Hazvinei Mwanaka
The violent hailstorm that battered Masvingo City on Monday has left a trail of destruction, ripping through homes and businesses with damage extending to parts of Gutu, Chivi and Bikita districts.
No Deaths, But Thousands Affected
According to official figures as of Tuesday, no fatalities have been recorded.
However, at least 13,500 households, translating to about 67,500 people, have been affected.
Many families have been left stranded after their houses were severely damaged.
Vehicles, solar systems, roads and other public infrastructure were also not spared.
Power outages have been reported across Masvingo’s high- and low-density suburbs.
This has affected Central Business District, Bushmead Waterworks, Gokomere, Ngomahuru, Masvingo Teachers College and surrounding areas.
City Opens Halls for Emergency Storage
In a statement, Masvingo Mayor Aleck Tabe said Council has opened Mucheke Hall and Rujeko Hall to provide temporary safe storage for furniture and other household belongings as assessments continue.
“The City of Masvingo together with the Masvingo District Civil Protection Unit is working to assess the full extent of the damage and identify the immediate needs of affected residents,” Tabe said.
“Our teams are currently conducting assessments, and further information will be communicated as it becomes available.”
He said the city had engaged all relevant stakeholders and emergency response structures to coordinate assistance.
“I appeal to residents to remain calm, exercise caution and assist one another, particularly vulnerable members of our communities.
“(This) includes children, elderly persons, persons with disabilities and families whose homes have been severely damaged,” he added.
Government Declares National Disaster
Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Ezra Chadzamira, on Wednesday added further information.
He said the storm had also damaged roads and social services infrastructure, including clinics and schools.
He confirmed that the President had declared the incident a national disaster.
“Interim reports by our Civil Protection Unit indicate that houses in residential areas of Mucheke, Rujeko, Majange, Target Kopje and Sisk in Masvingo district, as well as parts of Chivi, Gutu and Bikita, have endured severe damages.
“Vehicles and solar infrastructure have been affected,” Chadzamira said.
“Families including students who are attending lessons and preparing for their final year examinations have not been spared.”
Chadzamira called on stakeholders to work together to safeguard the welfare of affected communities.
Authorities say damage assessments are ongoing, with communities still counting the cost of the disaster.
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