By Jeremiah Gora
A severe hailstorm accompanied by strong winds has left a trail of destruction across Masvingo City, damaging homes, businesses, vehicles and critical infrastructure while leaving dozens of households counting their losses.
The storm struck the city on Monday afternoon, with areas including Ipisham, Majange, Mucheke and Rujeko among those affected.
Preliminary assessments indicate that at least 60 households in Ipisham Suburb were affected, with roofs blown off, windows shattered, trees uprooted and household property damaged.
Several vehicles were also damaged after falling trees and debris were swept through residential and commercial areas.
The storm also disrupted electricity supplies after power infrastructure, including electricity poles in Rujeko, was damaged.
In the central business district, offices, furniture shops and supermarkets reportedly suffered damage, with shattered windows leaving glass scattered across pavements.
Permanent Secretary for Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Dr Addmore Pazvakavambwa, said the storm had caused extensive damage to homes, offices and vehicles.
“The hailstorm and violent winds shattered windows on both homes and offices and vehicles were also damaged,” said Dr Pazvakavambwa.
He said authorities had activated the Civil Protection Unit to assist affected residents.
“We will start counting the actual cost of the damage tomorrow morning (today) and we have activated the civil protection unit to assist those in dire straits,” he said.
Department of Civil Protection Unit Chief Director, Mr Nathan Nkomo, confirmed that at least 60 households had been affected in Ipisham, adding that no injuries had been reported.
“We received calls that 60 households have been affected. The wind uprooted trees and a car was damaged in the process. No injuries have been recorded so far,” said Mr Nkomo.
He said assessments were still underway to determine the full extent of the damage.
“An assessment is still going on and we will issue the final report,” he said.
Masvingo City Mayor, Councillor A. Tabe, said the damage was extensive and had left some families exposed to the elements.
He said Mucheke Hall and Rujeko Hall had been opened to accommodate affected families and provide temporary safe storage for furniture and other household belongings.
The mayor urged residents whose homes had been severely damaged to make use of the facilities while authorities coordinated further assistance.
The storm also disrupted preparations for the Great Zimbabwe University graduation ceremony after the university’s graduation venue and surrounding infrastructure were damaged.
Great Zimbabwe University subsequently postponed its graduation ceremony to 23 October 2026.
Authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant and prioritise their safety as damage assessments and emergency response operations continue across the city.
