21/10/2026
Support continues to pour in for residents affected by the October 5 Masvingo Hailstorm Disaster, with Island Hospice and Health Care and the National Age Network of Zimbabwe coming on board to provide psychosocial support training to Councillors, community childcare workers and other community leaders to help affected residents cope with the emotional and psychological impact of the disaster.
Speaking during the inaugural debriefing meeting attended by Masvingo District Development Coordinator (DDC), Ms Joyce Chikungu, City of Masvingo Mayor, Councillor Aleck Tabe, expressed gratitude to the two organisations for their timely intervention. He noted that the devastating events of October 5 had left many families traumatised, with the emotional toll extending to city authorities and other frontline responders who were involved in the disaster response.
Town Clerk, Engineer Edward Mukaratirwa, also underscored the importance of specialised counselling in supporting the recovery process. He highlighted Council’s ongoing Trauma Response Care Programme, which is being implemented in all council and public schools to help learners manage the emotional distress and psychological pressures arising from the hailstorm disaster.
The psychosocial training is expected to strengthen community-based support systems by equipping local leaders and childcare workers at ward level with the skills to identify distress, offer appropriate initial support and facilitate referrals for specialised assistance where necessary.
City of Masvingo remains committed to supporting affected residents beyond the immediate emergency response, recognising that recovery involves not only rebuilding damaged infrastructure but also restoring emotional well-being, dignity and hope. Working together with government, partners and residents, Council will continue to champion a resilient Masvingo where no one is left to face the aftermath of this disaster alone.
