Local Government and Public Works Minister Hon. Daniel Garwe has declared a State of Disaster in Masvingo Province following a devastating hailstorm that swept through the region on the evening of Monday, 5 October 2026, leaving a trail of destruction and displacing thousands of people.
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Read E-PaperThe declaration, made in accordance with Section 27(1) of the Civil Protection Act [Chapter 10:06], comes after President Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa authorised the emergency measure for the affected areas.
Preliminary reports paint a grim picture of the damage. Approximately 8,500 households have had their roofs completely blown off, while of the 17,000 households assessed, a staggering 90 percent sustained shattered windows, leaving families dangerously exposed at the onset of the rainy season.
The storm caused extensive structural damage across residential areas, critical public utilities and commercial establishments.
Key institutions severely affected include Great Zimbabwe University (Mucheke Campus), Masvingo Polytechnic, Masvingo Teachers College and the Passport Office. Critical infrastructure such as ZESA power lines, water pumping systems and municipal drainage networks has also been extensively damaged, triggering widespread power outages and creating an immediate public health risk.
Hon. Garwe confirmed the severity of the crisis and the Government’s urgent response.
“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 to assist affected communities while calling on the private sector to intervene.
“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.”
He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to ensuring that no citizen is left behind during the recovery process.
“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.
Business operations in Masvingo City have been heavily disrupted, with major retail and hospitality facilities sustaining significant roof damage, resulting in severe water leaks and damage to assets.
The Government has urged all stakeholders to unite as rebuilding efforts commence.
