By Tichaona Katsvamutima
A violent hailstorm has left a trail of destruction across Masvingo, damaging more than 60 houses, vehicles and critical infrastructure and forcing Great Zimbabwe University (GZU) to postpone its 20th graduation ceremony.
The storm struck shortly after 5pm on Monday, bringing heavy rain, strong winds and severe hail that battered homes and businesses across the city and surrounding areas.
Preliminary assessments indicate that more than 60 houses lost their roofs, while windows and sliding gates were damaged or destroyed. Dozens of vehicles had their windscreens shattered, while solar panels and other household installations were also damaged.
Trees were uprooted and power lines brought down, while flash flooding was reported in several areas following the heavy downpour.
Masvingo mayor Aleck Tabe described the extent of the destruction as significant and said several families had been left without adequate shelter.
“The extent of the damage is significant and deeply distressing. Most concerning is that several families have been left with their homes exposed to the elements tonight,” Tabe said in a statement to residents.
The city has opened Mucheke Hall and Rujeko Hall to accommodate families whose homes were severely damaged. The facilities will also provide temporary safe storage for furniture and other 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.
The Masvingo City Council, working with the Masvingo District Civil Protection Unit, is assessing the extent of the damage and the immediate needs of affected residents.
The Provincial Civil Protection Unit has also been activated to coordinate the emergency response and assist affected families.
No injuries had been reported in the initial assessment, although authorities said the damage assessment was continuing and the full extent of the losses was yet to be established.
The storm has also disrupted preparations for GZU’s 20th graduation ceremony, which was scheduled for Wednesday, October 7.
In an urgent notice issued on Tuesday, the university announced that the ceremony had been moved to Friday, October 23, after the storm damaged the graduation venue and surrounding infrastructure.
“The decision follows the severe devastation caused by the sudden storm that affected Masvingo last night, resulting in significant damage to the city and, in particular, the graduation venue and surrounding infrastructure,” GZU said.
The university said the postponement was necessary to protect graduands, their families, guests, staff and other stakeholders expected to attend the ceremony.
“The postponement has therefore been made in the interest of the safety and wellbeing of all graduands, their families, guests, staff and other stakeholders,” the university said.
GZU apologised for the inconvenience caused by what it described as an “unforeseen development” and said further updates would be communicated through its official channels.
Meanwhile, Tabe urged residents to remain calm and exercise caution as emergency teams continued assessing the damage.
He appealed to residents to assist vulnerable members of the community, particularly children, elderly people and persons with disabilities, as well as families whose homes had been badly damaged.
“I wish to assure all residents that the city authorities are seized with this emergency,” Tabe said, adding that the council was engaging relevant stakeholders and emergency response structures to address the situation as quickly as possible.
“We stand together as a city during this difficult time, and we will continue to provide updates as the damage assessment progresses,” he said.
