Zimbabwe declares a disaster after hailstorm tears the roofs off 8,500 homes in Masvingo
A university campus, a maternity ward, the airport and government offices were also damaged. Power cuts have knocked out water and sewage systems as the rains begin.
Masvingo — President Emmerson Mnangagwa has declared a state of disaster in Masvingo after a violent hailstorm destroyed the roofs of about 8,500 homes in the southern Zimbabwean city, New Zimbabwe reports.
Of some 17,000 households assessed, nine in ten had windows shattered. The storm also brought down power lines.
Public buildings hit
The damage extends well beyond housing. Great Zimbabwe University's Mucheke campus, Masvingo Polytechnic and Masvingo Teachers College were all affected, along with the maternity ward at Runyararo Clinic, the passport office, the Grain Marketing Board depot, Masvingo Airport, an army brigade base and the provincial office of the electoral commission. Shops and hotels were damaged too.
The loss of electricity has disrupted water supply, drainage and sewage systems. With thousands of families exposed at the start of the rainy season, officials have warned of risks to public health.
Appeal for help
In a statement, the government said it was committed to ensuring that no person and no place is left behind in the rebuilding, and asked businesses and development partners to assist.
A disaster declaration allows the state to release emergency funds and to request outside aid.
This report is based on reporting by New Zimbabwe, via AllAfrica.
