Hailstorm leaves 13,500 Masvingo households reeling

More than 13,500 households have been severely affected after a hailstorm battered Masvingo urban last night, blowing off roofs and shattering window panes and leaving residents to endure a cold, wet night.

Masvingo Provincial Information Officer Rodgers Irimayi confirmed the figures to the Masvingo Mirror, saying at least 67,500 people have been affected. The figure excludes damaged vehicles.

Schools, government premises, clinics and other public infrastructure were also heavily damaged. Flash floods were reported in several areas after a heavy downpour just after 5 p.m.

Masvingo Mayor Aleck Tabe described the extent of the damage as significant and deeply distressing.

“The most concerning is that several families have been left with their homes exposed to the elements tonight,” he said in a statement to residents, noting extensive damage to homes, private property and critical city infrastructure.

For families left without a roof, the city has opened Mucheke Hall and Rujeko Hall to provide shelter and temporary safe storage for furniture and other household belongings.

“Residents whose homes have been severely affected are encouraged to make use of these facilities while further assistance and assessments are being coordinated,” Tabe said.

He said the city, together with the Masvingo District Civil Protection Unit, is assessing the full extent of the damage and the immediate needs of those affected.

“Our teams are currently conducting assessments, and further information will be communicated as it becomes available. I wish to assure all residents that the city authorities are seized with this emergency,” he said.

The city is engaging stakeholders and emergency response structures to ensure the situation is addressed as swiftly as possible.

Minister of State for Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Ezra Chadzamira, told the Masvingo Mirror that the Civil Protection Unit is gathering details with a view to supporting affected residents.

The mayor appealed to residents to remain calm, exercise caution and assist one another, particularly children, the elderly, persons with disabilities and families whose homes have been badly damaged.

“We stand together as a city during this difficult time, and we will continue to provide updates as the damage assessment progresses,” he said.

Source: Hailstorm leaves 13,500 Masvingo households reeling ⋆ Pindula News

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