Mnangagwa Declares Masvingo Devastating Hailstorm State of Disaster

Harare — President Emmerson Mnangagwa has declared a State of Disaster in parts of Masvingo Province following a devastating hailstorm that left thousands of households damaged and critical infrastructure severely affected.

The hailstorm struck the province on Monday evening, October 5, leaving an estimated 8,500 households with roofs completely blown off, while about 90% of the 17,000 households assessed had shattered windows.

The declaration was made in accordance with Section 27(1) of the Civil Protection Act, Chapter 10:06, Local Government and Public Works Minister, Daniel Garwe, said in a statement on Tuesday, October 6.

“The extreme weather experienced inflicted extensive structural damage across residential areas, critical public utilities, education and health institutions and commercial establishments,” Minister Garwe said.

He said the scale of destruction required immediate intervention to protect lives and support recovery efforts, with families now exposed to the elements at the start of the rainy season.

Several key institutions were severely damaged, including Great Zimbabwe University’s Mucheke Campus, Masvingo Polytechnic, Masvingo Teachers College, Maud Muzenda Training Centre, the Passport Office, Grain Marketing Board, Chiefs Hall, Veterinary Office, District Development Coordinator’s Office, ZIMRE Building, Masvingo Urban VTC, Runyararo Clinic Maternity Ward, 41 Brigade, Masvingo Airport and the ZESA provincial office.

In the statement, Minister Garwe said business operations in Masvingo City were also heavily disrupted after major retail and hospitality facilities suffered significant roof damage, causing severe water leaks and damage to assets.

Electricity infrastructure was among the worst affected, 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,” Garwe said, warning that the disruption posed an immediate public health risk.

The damage has also compounded the vulnerability of affected communities, with damaged homes leaving families without adequate shelter as the rainy season gets under way.

In response, Government has mobilised resources and called on all agencies to participate in relief operations.

“I have called for all government agencies to join hands in assisting the affected communities,” Honourable Garwe said.

He also appealed to the private sector and development partners to support the Government’s response as emergency interventions are rolled out.

“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,” he said.

Minister Garwe also said the Government was committed to ensuring that affected communities receive assistance and that damaged infrastructure is restored.

“The Government remains fully committed to ensuring that no person and no place is left behind as we rebuild and restore normalcy,” he said.