Zimbabwe Hailstorm Destroys Seven United Methodist Properties and Homes

A severe hailstorm struck Masvingo town on the afternoon of October 5, causing widespread damage to United Methodist properties and homes in the area. The storm, described as one of the worst in recent memory, caught residents off guard, leading to chaos as people rushed for safety.

Zimbabwe’s Department of Civil Protection and public media reported that many households in Rujeko, Mucheke, Victoria Range, and surrounding suburbs suffered significant losses. Roofs were torn off, windows shattered, trees uprooted, and property damaged. The sudden and violent nature of the storm left many unprepared for the destruction it caused.

Rev. Tendai Zimunya, 60, pastor of St. Philip Masvingo United Methodist Church, described the storm as unprecedented in his lifetime. “The hail pounded the roof like stones, and within minutes, water was inside the church,” said Anna Mudambi, the church’s caretaker. Church members joined her in using plastic buckets to remove muddy water from the sanctuary.

The storm destroyed seven United Methodist properties. At Rujeko United Methodist Church, the roofing sheets were ripped off, and all windows were shattered, allowing heavy rain, mud, and hailstones to flood the sanctuary. Church benches were submerged, and the pastor’s office sustained extensive damage after hail smashed the windows, leaving it exposed.

Church members reported that the Rujeko sanctuary is currently unusable due to safety concerns. They have no place for worship services until repairs are completed. In Zimbabwe, hailstorms are known for their heavy rains and large hailstones, which can cause significant destruction. Many United Methodist homes were damaged, with some residents describing the storm as unlike anything their communities had ever experienced.

Kuziva Stephen Makunike of Mucheke suburb said the storm was unlike any his community had faced. “It was like a cyclone, and we heard all the windows breaking and our ceiling collapsing,” he said. “The asbestos roof was badly damaged and our house flooded. We found a safe space to shelter in the side of the house, which was not damaged.”

Affected homes were filled with debris from collapsed roofs and ceilings, while furniture, bedding, and household goods were soaked in water and covered with rubble. Fungai Mutambara’s home suffered a destroyed roof, forcing the family to sleep in a car. They expressed pain and prayed for relief, reflecting the community’s struggle in the aftermath of the storm.

The United Methodist Committee on Relief is reaching out to local church leaders to determine the needs of the affected communities. Donations can be made through the International Disaster Response Advance #982450, which supports disaster relief efforts worldwide. The situation highlights the vulnerability of communities to extreme weather events and the importance of solidarity and support in times of crisis.

Source: Read the original report