Mnangagwa declares Masvingo hailstorm a state of disaster

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has declared a state of disaster in Masvingo Province after a severe hailstorm struck on the evening of Monday, 5 October 2026.

The Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Daniel Garwe, announced the declaration on Tuesday, 6 October. It was made under Section 27(1) of the Civil Protection Act [Chapter 10:06].

“The 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,” Garwe said.

Preliminary reports from the ground point to widespread destruction, he said. About 8,500 households had their roofs blown off completely.

“Furthermore, out of 17,000 households assessed, approximately 90 per cent sustained shattered windows, leaving families exposed to the elements at the very onset of the rainy season,” Garwe said.

“Severe disruptions have been recorded across major administrative and educational institutions. 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’s Office, the ZIMRE Building, Masvingo Urban VTC, Runyararo Clinic Maternity Ward, Rupiko Hall, 41 Brigade, Masvingo Airport, and the ZEC Provincial Office.”

Businesses in Masvingo City have also been badly hit, Garwe said. Roofs were damaged at major shops and hotels, causing severe leaks and damage to equipment and stock.

ZESA power lines were extensively damaged across the province. The resulting power cuts have disrupted water pumping, municipal drainage and sewer systems, creating an immediate public health risk that the government says it is moving quickly to contain.

“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,” Garwe said.

“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.

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