Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa has declared a state of disaster in areas affected by a heavy hailstorm, which damaged more than 17,000 buildings and completely blew off the roofs of over 8,500 houses in the southern province of Masvingo.
“Following the catastrophic and severe hailstorm that struck Masvingo province on the evening of Monday, October 5, 2026, President Mnangagwa has declared a state of disaster within the affected areas,” Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe said in a statement.
“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 added.
According to government, business operations in Masvingo city were heavily disrupted due to the ferocious hailstorm, which caused a widespread power blackout.
No fatalities recorded: government
Several education centres, medical facilities, and hospitality premises sustained severe roof damages, resulting in water leaks and structural challenges.
The Zimbabwean government said no fatalities had been recorded yet, although the number of the injured was under investigation.
