PRESIDENT Mnangagwa has declared a State of Disaster for areas that were affected by the catastrophic and severe hailstorm that struck Masvingo Province on Monday, damaging more than 17 000 households, inflicting structural damage to critical public utilities, including education and health facilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In a statement last night, Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe said the declaration was made in accordance with Section 27(1) of the Civil Protection Act (Chapter 10:06).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cFollowing the catastrophic and severe hailstorm that struck Masvingo Province on the evening of Monday, 5 October 2026, His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Cde Dr Mnangagwa, has declared a State of Disaster within the affected areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe extreme weather experienced inflicted extensive structural damage across residential areas, critical public utilities, education and health institutions, and commercial establishments, necessitating immediate interventions to safeguard lives and support recovery,\u201d said Minister Garwe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to preliminary reports, approximately 8 500 households had their roofs completely blown off. Out of 17 000 households assessed, approximately 90 percent sustained shattered windowpanes, leaving families exposed to the weather elements at the very onset of the rainy season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSevere disruptions have been recorded across major administrative and educational institutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Key facilities severely hit include the Great Zimbabwe University (Mucheke Campus), Masvingo Polytechnic, Masvingo Teachers College, Maud Muzenda Training Centre, the Passport Office, the Grain Marketing Board, Chiefs Hall, the Veterinary Office, the District Development Coordinator\u2019s Office, the ZIMRE Building, Masvingo Urban VTC, Runyararo Clinic Maternity Ward, Rujeko Hall, 4.1 Brigade, Masvingo Airport, and the ZEC Provincial Office.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBusiness operations in Masvingo City have been heavily disrupted as major retail and hospitality facilities sustained significant roof compromises, resulting in severe water leaks and asset damage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Electricity infrastructure has suffered a major blow, with Zesa power lines extensively damaged across the province. Widespread power outages have concurrently affected water pumping supply systems, municipal drainage infrastructure, and sewer networks, presenting an immediate public health risk that the Government is moving swiftly to contain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In view of this crisis, and to facilitate rapid, relief operations, I have called for all Government agencies to join hands in assisting the affected communities. While the State is deploying all available resources, we make an urgent appeal to the private sector and partners to join hands with the Government,\u201d said Minister Garwe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Residents in the ancient city yesterday continued counting their losses following Monday night\u2019s storm, which has been dubbed the worst in living memory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The hailstorm left a trail of destruction across Mucheke, Rujeko and Victoria Ranch suburbs, damaging roofs, windows and perimeter walls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While no fatalities have been recorded, the number of injured people is still to be determined.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The toll on infrastructure, however, was severe: power lines and transformers were destroyed, plunging Masvingo City into darkness since Monday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The storm\u2019s impact rippled through the education sector as it forced Great Zimbabwe University to postpone its 20th graduation ceremony, originally set for today to 23 October after the infrastructure at the venue was razed to the ground. The university also suspended lectures with immediate effect until Monday as some learning facilities require repairs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Schools across the city were not spared either. Few learners turned up yesterday, with the majority staying at home to battle trauma from Monday night\u2019s tragedy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to the Civil Protection Unit (CPU), primary school learners were particularly affected.
Government, through the CPU and the Joint Operations Command (JOC), activated disaster response systems yesterday by establishing temporary shelters at DDF Masvingo lodges and Maud Muzenda Training Centre to accommodate the homeless, while an evaluation centre for victims was opened at Mucheke Hall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Minister of State for Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Cde Ezra Chadzamira, led a team comprising Joint Operations Command (JOC) and CPU members to assess the extent of the damage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Speaking after the tour, Cde Chadzamira assured affected residents that they would be compensated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe assessed some of the affected places in the city with a team comprising JOC and CPU, and we have opened temporary shelters for those left homeless while quantification of damages is ongoing to make sure those affected get compensation,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe are calling upon all those affected by the hailstorm to register at the Masvingo District Development Coordinator\u2019s office so that they get assistance.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Minister Chadzamira expressed relief that there were no fatalities and assured residents that Government was working flat out to restore normalcy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe are aware of the power supply situation, which is very bad after the hailstorm damaged power lines and transformers, resulting in the ensuing blackout. But ZESA teams are working flat out to restore electricity, and very soon affected areas will have power,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The CPU in Masvingo continued its efforts to mitigate the plight of affected residents.
Provincial spokesperson Mr Rodgers Irimayi said they were working with partners to give affected families a soft landing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTo date, about 13 500 households in Mucheke, Rujeko and Victoria Ranch have been recorded as being affected through damage to windows, perimeter walls and roofs,\u201d he said. \u201cOur initial estimates show that about 67 500 people were affected in Masvingo City, but luckily we did not record any fatalities.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mr Irimayi said the number of injured people had not yet been ascertained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe have unconfirmed reports of some people who were injured by broken glass windows and flying sheets from damaged roofs, but we have not yet established the exact number.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He added that partners, including the Red Cross and Christian Care, were ready to accommodate the homeless. \u201cWe have also opened an evaluation centre for hailstorm victims at Mucheke Hall.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some residents rated Monday\u2019s hailstorm as the worst in living memory, after it affected at least one in every three residents in the city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Meanwhile, the Meteorological Services Department (MDS) has advised that isolated thunderstorms are expected in the extreme eastern parts of the country. In the rest of the country, little rainfall activity is expected, although some light showers may occur.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In an interview, MSD deputy director for Public Weather Services, Mr Isaac Masawana, said thunderstorms could be experienced in some parts of Manicaland.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cFor Wednesday, we do not expect much in terms of rainfall activity, but in Manicaland we expect Rusape, Nyanga and Mutare to experience downpours. Some thundershowers can, however, be experienced here and there in some parts of the country. Clear skies are expected across the country on Thursday,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some schools and businesses in Harare closed early yesterday afternoon after an alert circulated on social media urging people to stay indoors from 1 pm to 8 pm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The alert warned: \u201cDo NOT cross flooded rivers or bridges. Move valuables, documents and medication to a higher place. Unplug electricals, keep children away from drains and rivers (Marimba, Mukuvisi).\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The MSD, however, distanced itself from the alert, saying it had not originated from them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe also saw the communication. It did not come from us. When we issue an advisory, it should have our logo, and anything that does not have our logo is not ours,\u201d said Mr Masawana. The MSD advised the public to keep following official weather updates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cKeep warm and plan your day with rain showers in mind. Carry a coat wherever possible. When thunder roars, it is best to be indoors. Do not hide under trees during thunderstorms,\u201d said the MSD.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, Engineer Tafadzwa Muguti, said an emergency dial number would soon be provided to assist in reporting cases. He confirmed that Government was working with stakeholders to reconstruct damaged houses and infrastructure as well as provide food and other essentials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe are working flat out together with other stakeholders to ensure that at least we can renovate the houses for those who were affected, and be able to continue supporting, be it in terms of food, shelter, and just making sure that everyone is taken care of,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSo, Civil Protection was activated and deployed to Masvingo province and they are there right now, working hand in glove with the residents.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Eng Muguti said POTRAZ and mobile network operators were also on high alert, disseminating information on predicted weather patterns. He urged those who might be affected to reach out for assistance early.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt is very important that they reach out to the District Development Coordinators within their areas, or reach out to the local authority, the offices of town clerks, who will quickly activate Civil Protection,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI am also happy to say that we are working on a hotline, a national hotline, which is going to be operational soon \u2014 that is 6666 \u2014 so that anyone who has an emergency will be able to call. But more details will come later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cCivil Protection is fully aware that we are having these natural disasters, and we are on the ground helping those who have been affected,\u201d Eng Muguti.<\/p>\n\n\n\n