MASVINGO CITY Council has offered accommodation to families affected by heavy rains that lashed the city yesterday evening, prompting immediate and urgent action from city authorities to address the emerging humanitarian and infrastructural crisis.
The rains, coupled with strong winds and a hailstorm, caused widespread destruction in the city, with many families waking up this morning to count their losses.
Rooftops of homes and churches were blown off, some security walls gave in to the rains, and vegetation was destroyed, leaving some florists with nothing but losses.
Mayor of Masvingo, Councillor Aleck Tabe, addressed the city in an urgent update, describing the storm’s impact as “extensive” and “deeply distressing.”
He confirmed that the municipality is already implementing critical emergency response measures.
In a swift move to protect the most vulnerable families whose homes were severely damaged or left exposed, the City Council has opened two key community facilities.
Mucheke Hall and Rujeko Hall have been designated as temporary emergency shelters.
Mayor Tabe encouraged residents to make use of these locations not only for personal accommodation but also for the safe, temporary storage of furniture and household belongings while assessments continue.
City engineering and emergency teams have been deployed to assess the full extent of the damage.
He said the local authorities have activated the District Civil Protection Unit (DCPU) and are in close collaboration with relevant stakeholders and emergency response structures to coordinate a unified recovery effort.
Mayor Tabe assured the public that the municipality is fully engaged with the crisis and committed to restoring normalcy as swiftly as possible.
Preliminary reports from the initial assessments paint a grim picture of the trail of destruction left by the large hailstones and strong winds. Widespread damage has been recorded across residential areas and critical city infrastructure.
The hailstorm, described by some residents as one of the worst in recent memory, targeted a range of property. Multiple homes have had entire roofs blown off, leaving families without shelter against the elements. Numerous cars suffered severe damage, with windscreens and windows shattered by the large hailstones. Many solar panels, essential for electricity during ongoing power outages, were broken or rendered inoperable. The storm also caused widespread breakage of windows and windowpanes and the destruction of sliding gates.
“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,” Mayor Tabe stated in his message to residents.
The Mayor made a heartfelt appeal for calm and community solidarity. He urged residents to assist each other, with a particular focus on the most vulnerable members of society, including children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.
“Our thoughts are with every family and individual affected by this devastating disaster. We stand together as a city during this difficult time…,” the Mayor said.
He added that they will provide regular updates as the formal damage assessment progresses and as broader relief and reconstruction efforts are finalised. – New Ziana
