MASVINGO – The government has declared a State of Disaster in Masvingo Province after a devastating hailstorm struck the city on the evening of Monday October 5 2026, leaving a trail of destruction that displaced thousands of people.
Local Government and Public Works Minister Hon. Daniel Garwe made the declaration under Section 27(1) of the Civil Protection Act [Chapter 10:06], after President Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa authorised the emergency measure for the affected areas.
Preliminary reports show about 8,500 households had their roofs completely blown off. Of the 17,000 households assessed, 90 percent suffered shattered windows, leaving families exposed as the rainy season begins.
The storm caused extensive damage to residential areas, public utilities and commercial establishments. Institutions badly affected include Great Zimbabwe University’s Mucheke Campus, Masvingo Polytechnic, Masvingo Teachers College and the Passport Office. ZESA power lines, water pumping systems and municipal drainage networks were also extensively damaged, causing widespread power outages and creating an immediate public health risk.
“The Minister of Local Government and Public Works Hon. Garwe wishes to inform the nation that following the catastrophic and severe hailstorm that struck Masvingo Province on the evening of Monday, 5 October 2026, His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Cde Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, has declared a State of Disaster within the affected areas.”
Hon. Garwe said the government is mobilising all available resources and has asked the private sector to help.
“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.
“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.”
Business in Masvingo City has been heavily disrupted. Major retail and hospitality outlets suffered significant roof damage, causing severe water leaks and damage to assets.
The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the recovery effort. “The Government remains fully committed to ensuring that no person and no place is left behind as we rebuild and restore normality,” said Hon. Garwe.
The government has urged all stakeholders to unite as rebuilding efforts begin.
The disaster has already disrupted learning at Great Zimbabwe University. In notices issued on October 6, the university suspended all lectures until Monday, October 12 2026, to allow urgent repairs to damaged teaching venues and accommodation and postponed its 20th Graduation Ceremony from October 7 to Friday, October 23 2026.
