Staff Writer
The Insurance Council of Zimbabwe (ICZ) has urged policyholders affected by the devastating Masvingo hailstorm to contact their insurers and brokers to initiate claims, as the industry pledged support for recovery efforts following a disaster that has affected an estimated 17,000 households.
In a statement issued on behalf of the insurance industry, ICZ chairman James Mharadze expressed solidarity with residents, families and businesses affected by the hailstorm and violent winds that struck Masvingo city and surrounding areas on Monday, October 5.
The Government has declared a State of Disaster in the affected areas, with preliminary assessments indicating that about 8,500 households had their roofs completely blown off, while approximately 90 percent of the 17,000 households assessed suffered shattered windows.
The storm damaged homes, vehicles, commercial properties and critical public infrastructure, including schools, tertiary institutions, health facilities and electricity supply systems. Solar installations, windows, gates and other household assets were also affected.
Public institutions damaged include Great Zimbabwe University’s Mucheke Campus, Masvingo Polytechnic, Masvingo Teachers College and Runyararo Clinic’s maternity ward. Electricity infrastructure was also extensively damaged, disrupting power supplies and affecting essential services.
The destruction has disrupted livelihoods and business operations, while damage to water pumping, drainage and sewerage systems has raised concerns about access to essential services.
Mharadze said the industry recognised the widespread damage and distress experienced by affected communities as they began rebuilding their homes, businesses and lives.
“Affected policyholders are urged to contact their insurance companies or brokers promptly to report losses and initiate claims,” he said.
He encouraged people with insurance covering homes, vehicles, businesses, solar installations and other assets to seek clarification on the protection available under their policies, even if they were uncertain about the extent of their cover.
Insurers and brokers would guide policyholders through the documentation and assessment processes, he said.
The ICZ statement comes as the Government mobilises assistance for affected families following the disaster declaration by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe said the Government was coordinating relief efforts, including the provision of building materials, food and medicines, while prioritising vulnerable households and the restoration of damaged infrastructure.
The City of Masvingo has also opened Mucheke and Rujeko halls to accommodate affected families and provide temporary storage for household belongings as damage assessments continue.
Mharadze said the insurance industry remained committed to supporting the Masvingo community during the recovery process and strengthening resilience against future disasters.
The scale of the destruction has renewed attention on the importance of adequate insurance cover for homes, vehicles and businesses exposed to extreme weather events.
