Zimbabwe: Mnangagwa Declares State of Disaster As 8,500 Homes Lose Roofs in Masvingo Hailstorm

What the report says

Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa has declared a State of Disaster after a severe hailstorm hit Masvingo on Monday, causing widespread damage to homes, public services and businesses. The report, carried by New Zimbabwe and distributed by AllAfrica, says the storm affected residential areas, schools, health facilities and commercial premises across the city.

Preliminary assessments cited in the article indicate that about 8,500 households lost their roofs entirely, while most of the 17,000 homes assessed had broken windows. The timing is especially difficult because families are being left exposed as the rainy season begins. The storm also damaged electricity infrastructure, with fallen ZESA power lines triggering outages that disrupted water pumping, drainage and sewer systems.

Several institutions were reported to be badly affected, including educational facilities such as Great Zimbabwe University’s Mucheke Campus, Masvingo Polytechnic and Masvingo Teachers College, along with government offices, the airport and health facilities. Retail and hospitality businesses in Masvingo City also suffered roof damage and losses to stock and equipment.

The article says government has begun mobilising resources and relief efforts, while assessments continue. Mnangagwa’s disaster declaration is significant because it allows a more urgent coordinated response and opens the door for wider support from state agencies, the private sector and development partners as authorities work to restore normal services.