“Apocalyptic” hailstorm batters Masvingo

A violent hailstorm wreaked havoc in Masvingo on Monday night, leaving hundreds of families and businesses in the city and surrounding areas counting their losses.

The storm, which subsided at around 7 PM, battered houses and offices in the central business district, damaged vehicles and brought down power lines and trees, triggering a power outage.

Several homes were left exposed after windows and roofs were shattered, allowing rainwater to flood interiors.

Furniture shops and supermarkets had their windows smashed, leaving glass strewn across pavements.

The Provincial Civil Protection Unit has activated its disaster response, with officials describing the storm as one of the worst weather events in recent memory.

Permanent Secretary for Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Addmore Pazvakavambwa said the city was reeling.

“The hailstorm and violent winds shattered windows in both homes and offices, and vehicles were also damaged,” he said.

“We will start counting the actual cost of the damage tomorrow morning, and we have activated the civil protection unit to assist those in dire straits.”

Hailstorms are a normal feature of Zimbabwe’s rainy season, especially during the shoulder months of October-November and February-March.

During this period, strong surface heating collides with moist air, producing towering thunderclouds that drop hail, strong winds and lightning.

Lovemore Muzira is a regular contributor to Pindula News with a background in Political Science and International Relations. He has eight years of experience reporting on local news, with a strong focus on politics, human rights, environmental issues, and social affairs.