Severe hailstorm leaves trail of destruction across Masvingo
A fierce hailstorm has battered Masvingo Town and surrounding areas, damaging homes, vehicles and other property and leaving some families temporarily displaced.
The storm struck shortly after 5pm on Monday, bringing heavy rain, powerful winds and unusually large hailstones that residents described as among the worst weather events to hit the area in years.
Large chunks of ice pelted homes and vehicles, leaving cars visibly dented, windows shattered and roofs damaged. Some houses reportedly had their roofs blown off or left leaking, allowing rainwater to flood into homes.
Residents in Masvingo and surrounding rural communities, including Renco, also reported extensive damage.
For some families, the destruction left homes unsafe, forcing them to seek temporary shelter while trying to protect their belongings from further rain.
Videos and photographs circulating on social media showed damaged vehicles, buildings and other property, highlighting the severity of the storm.
The full extent of the damage and possible casualties remains unclear as assessments continue. Affected communities now face the difficult task of repairing roofs, replacing broken windows and recovering damaged household property.
The disaster has triggered calls for an urgent government response, with appeals for emergency teams to assess the damage, assist vulnerable families, provide temporary shelter and distribute relief supplies.
Citizens across Zimbabwe and in the diaspora have also expressed concern for those affected, with calls for families to contact relatives and loved ones in Masvingo to confirm their safety.
Social commentator Hopewell Chin’ono expressed concern over the disaster and called for swift government intervention.
«“I pray that there have been no fatalities and that the government will move quickly to assist those affected.”»
The hailstorm comes as Zimbabwe prepares for the 2026/27 rainy season, with the Meteorological Services Department recently warning of an 88% to 94% probability of an El Niño phase during the season.
Authorities are expected to continue assessing the extent of the destruction as affected communities begin the recovery process. *_-HC/263Chat_*
