WATCH: Severe hailstorm batters Zimbabwe, damaging homes and vehicles

A severe hailstorm tore through Masvingo in neighbouring Zimbabwe, damaging homes, vehicles and infrastructure and leaving some families in need of temporary shelter.

The storm struck on Monday evening, 5 October, bringing heavy rain, strong winds and large hailstones to parts of the city.

I am deeply saddened to hear that our people in Masvingo, in the south-eastern part of Zimbabwe, have been hit by a severe hailstorm.

I pray that there have been no fatalities and that the government will move quickly to assist those affected. If you have family or friends in… pic.twitter.com/cyFVR0OwtJ

— Hopewell Chin’ono (@daddyhope) October 5, 2026

Homes and vehicles damaged by severe hailstorm

Masvingo City Council said the storm caused extensive damage to homes, private property and critical city infrastructure.

Strong winds ripped roofs from some homes, while hail damaged windows, sliding gates, vehicle windscreens and solar panels.

Some families were left with their homes exposed to the weather following the storm.

The storm also uprooted trees and brought down power infrastructure in parts of Masvingo. Businesses in the city centre were also affected, with broken windows reported at shops and other buildings.

Flash flooding was also reported in several parts of the city after the heavy rain.

No injuries reported in early assessments

Speaking to NewZimbabwe.com, Civil Protection Unit chief director Nathan Nkomo said authorities initially received reports of damage to 60 households.

“We received calls that 60 households have been affected. The wind uprooted trees and a car was damaged in the process. No injuries have been recorded so far,” Nkomo said.

Authorities continued assessing the damage following the storm.

Temporary shelters opened

Masvingo City Council opened Mucheke Hall and Rujeko Hall to provide temporary shelter for families whose homes suffered severe damage.

The halls are also available for residents to store furniture and other household belongings while assessments continue.

Masvingo Mayor Aleck Tabe described the extent of the damage as “significant and deeply distressing”, adding that several families had been left with their homes exposed to the elements.

Tabe urged residents to remain cautious and help vulnerable members of the community, including children, older people, people with disabilities and families whose homes suffered severe damage.

Masvingo City Council and the Masvingo District Civil Protection Unit continued assessing the affected areas to determine the extent of the damage and the immediate needs of residents.