07/10/2026
COTRAD STATEMENT ON THE MASVINGO HAILSTORM DISASTER
The Community Tolerance Reconciliation and Development (COTRAD) expresses its deep concern and solidarity with the people of Masvingo following the devastating hailstorm that struck the city on Monday evening.
The storm has left a significant trail of destruction, with roofs blown off, vehicles damaged and windows shattered in homes across the city. Mucheke, Rujeko and Victoria Range are among the worst-affected areas.
Reports indicate that approximately 13,500 households, affecting an estimated 67,500 people, have been impacted. While no deaths have been reported so far, the destruction has left many families vulnerable and in urgent need of assistance.
COTRAD calls for a swift, coordinated and transparent humanitarian response to ensure that all affected families receive the support they urgently need, including temporary shelter, food, clean water, blankets, healthcare and psychosocial support.
We welcome the opening of Mucheke Hall as an evacuation centre and urge authorities and humanitarian partners to ensure that displaced families are accommodated in safe and dignified conditions.
COTRAD further calls for special attention to vulnerable groups, including children, older persons, persons with disabilities and households that have lost their homes and essential belongings.
We urge government, local authorities, civil society organisations, humanitarian agencies, the private sector and communities to work together in mobilising resources for emergency relief and recovery.
This disaster also underscores the need to strengthen community-based disaster preparedness, early-warning systems and emergency response mechanisms so that communities are better equipped to withstand increasingly severe weather events.
COTRAD stands in solidarity with the affected families and communities of Masvingo and calls for continued support until recovery efforts are complete.
