Hailstorm leaves trail of destruction in Masvingo

Zim Now Writer

Several families in the Renco area in Masvingo were on Sunday left homeless after over 130 homesteads, a hospital, police station and several schools were destroyed by a raging hailstorm.

Many families were left stranded without food after entire homesteads were destroyed.

A media crew toured the villages on Wednesday with the local councillor Tarusenga Mapamba who compiled lists of affected homesteads.

A number of elderly people lost their medication for diabetes and hospital cards in the storm.

Sister-in-Charge at Nyajena Rural Hospital Norah Kupika said that two houses were destroyed and can no longer be occupied.

Councillor Mapamba has appealed to government and Non-Governmental Organisations for shelter for the affected families as the rain season is just beginning and these people have lost their homes.

“Forty-five homesteads had their roofs blown off at Muvango Village alone. The village head’s homestead was completely destroyed and his diabetic wife Gladis Moyo lost her drugs in the rains.

“The rain season is just beginning and these families need assistance to rebuild, food, blankets and shelter,” Mapamba said.

The hailstorms left a trail of destruction across the southern region with 49 schools destroyed in the Midlands Province, according to Provincial Education Director Jameson Machimbira.

Other affected districts include Gutu, Chivi, Zvishavane, Mvuma, Beatrice, Chiredzi, Harare and Beitbridge.