The government has decentralised its Masvingo hailstorm disaster response command centre to 11 affected wards to assess damage to homes and facilitate repairs, as thousands of households seek assistance.
The exercise, running from 12 to 14 October 2026, is intended to collect Bills of Quantities (BOQs) from homeowners whose properties were damaged by the hailstorm that recently hit the province.
According to the latest Department of Civil Protection (DCP) update issued on 11 October, an estimated 17,000 houses were affected, with about 8,500 having their roofs blown off or severely damaged by strong winds and hail. A total of 6,252 people had registered for assistance.
The decentralised assessments are expected to bring the process closer to affected communities as the government and humanitarian partners coordinate relief efforts and mobilise resources for reconstruction.
The disaster also damaged 29 schools, five health facilities, five tertiary institutions, government buildings, electricity infrastructure and other public assets.
The government said 714 households received food hampers on Sunday, with priority given to vulnerable groups, including families whose homes were damaged, elderly people and child-headed households.
“Government has received 30 tonnes of maize meal, five tonnes of rice and other food supplies for distribution to affected communities. Humanitarian partners have also provided 88 tarpaulins, 25 blankets, 155 sanitary pads, 188 buckets and black polythene sheeting to assist affected households,” the statement said.
In the water sector, electricity has been restored at Bushmead Water Station, allowing the facility to resume full operational capacity, according to the update.
Five health facilities, Masvingo Provincial Hospital, Runyararo Clinic, Mucheke Clinic, Northwest Clinic and Rujeko Clinic, sustained damage, with rehabilitation work being coordinated by the City of Masvingo.
The hailstorm also damaged 2,060 market stalls at Garikayi, Takawira and Tanaiwa markets, disrupting the livelihoods of an estimated 6,000 traders.
“The disaster also affected 2,060 market stalls at Garikayi, Takawira and Tanaiwa markets, where roofs were blown off or completely destroyed, disrupting the livelihoods of an estimated 6,000 traders,” the department stated.
The government said the Cabinet committee overseeing the response had directed the local authority to expedite rehabilitation work to allow businesses to resume operations.
Of the 173 government housing units in Masvingo Urban, 48 were damaged. The Ministry of National Housing and Social Amenities has repaired 33, with the remaining units expected to be completed within a week, according to the statement.
The Public Works Department had completed 90% of the compilation of BOQs for repairs to damaged government buildings.
Schools affected include Rujeko Primary, Helen McGhie Primary, Chikato Primary, Mucheke High, Ndarama High, Runyararo Adventist Primary and Vurombo Primary.
“Damage to solar panels, Starlink systems and computer laboratories has disrupted internet connectivity and digital learning,” the government said.
Telecommunications restoration is also under way, with TelOne replacing damaged poles to restore fibre and communication services, while NetOne has installed solar backup systems to maintain operations.
The government urged the public to use the toll-free number 112 for national emergencies. The number 222, mainly available to Econet subscribers, can be used to access MARS ambulance services or report accidents and contact the police and fire brigade.