HARARE – President Emmerson Mnangagwa has declared a State of Disaster in Masvingo Province following a catastrophic hailstorm that struck on the evening of Monday, 5 October 2026.
The declaration was announced in an official statement by the Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Honourable Daniel Garwe, on 6 October 2026. The Minister said the declaration was made in accordance with Section 27(1) of the Civil Protection Act [Chapter 10:06].
According to preliminary assessments, the storm inflicted extensive structural damage across residential areas, critical public utilities, education and health institutions, and commercial establishments.
Approximately 8,500 households have had their roofs completely blown off. Of the 17,000 households assessed so far, about 90 percent sustained shattered windows, leaving families exposed to the elements at the onset of the rainy season.
Key public institutions severely affected include the Great Zimbabwe University (Mucheke Campus), Masvingo Polytechnic, Masvingo Teachers College, Maud Muzenda Training Centre, the Passport Office, the Grain Marketing Board, Chiefs Hall, the Veterinary Office, the District Development Coordinator’s Office, the ZIMRE Building, Masvingo Urban VTC, Runyararo Clinic Maternity Ward, Rupiko Hall, 41 Brigade, Masvingo Airport, and the ZEC Provincial Office.
Business operations in Masvingo City have also been heavily disrupted, with major retail and hospitality facilities suffering significant roof damage, resulting in water leaks and asset damage.
Electricity infrastructure suffered a major blow, with ZESA power lines extensively damaged across the province. The resulting widespread power outages have affected water pumping systems, municipal drainage infrastructure, and sewer networks, creating an immediate public health risk that Government says it is moving swiftly to contain.
Minister Garwe said all government agencies have been called to join hands in assisting affected communities, while making an urgent appeal to the private sector and partners to join hands with Government. He said Government remains fully committed to ensuring that no person and no place is left behind as it rebuilds and restores normalcy.
The Government’s swift intervention is highly commendable and fully complies with the provisions of the Civil Protection Act (Chapter 10:06). By declaring a State of Disaster, the Government has acted decisively to bypass bureaucratic bottlenecks, mobilize national resources, and unlock emergency funding and international aid to manage the calamity.
This progressive move activates critical emergency powers, enabling the President and designated ministers to deploy state agencies, the military and civil protection structures for rapid search, rescue and relief operations. It further allows for fast-tracking of procurement and deployment of private contractors for immediate infrastructure repairs, as well as the requisition of land, transport and materials needed to shelter and support affected populations, while opening the door for well-coordinated international humanitarian assistance.
