Hailstorm leaves Bengo Secondary School in shambles

By Jonah B Moyo

A devastating hailstorm ripped through Bengo Secondary School in Gwanda South (Ward 17) on Monday sunset, leaving the institution without a roof over its head.

The storm, which began with high-speed winds and heavy rainfall, damaged two classroom blocks that were being used for ZIMSEC exams, affecting writing students as exams carry on.

The storm also swept through Dryhock Primary School in the same night, bringing strong winds that caused significant damage to teachers’ cottages. The incident reportedly left four teachers injured, adding to the devastation caused by the severe weather.

Thando Nkomo, a villager from Nhanha whose children are enrolled at Bengo, highlighted that when the incident happened he was in belief.

“The storm warnings began in the afternoon, and we knew to expect rain by evening. However, we had no idea our school would be devastated. Around 4 pm, strong winds swept in, ripping the roofs of two classrooms that had recently been renovated.

“We are deeply concerned about our children’s education, particularly since we are in exam season and the rainy season is in full swing. The destruction of our classrooms has created a pressing need for immediate attention to repair and roof our block, ensuring that further damage from rainfall is prevented and our students can focus on their exams,” he said.

Ward 17 Councilor Ntuthuko Nyathi said the school was left like a ghost town.

“The school suffered extensive damage, with the roof ripped off and a portion of the asbestos ceiling destroyed. The school’s water tank and irrigation system were also damaged, leaving the student garden without vital resources.

“However, our primary concern remains the classroom blocks, which provide shelter for our students. With the rainy season and exam season converging, it’s imperative that we provide a safe and conducive learning environment. Students cannot afford to take their exams in the open, exposed to the elements, and further damage could occur if the rain returns,” Nyathi said.

He also said this requires immediate action.

“I have called a ward meeting to discuss a plan to repair and roof the two damaged classrooms, ensuring our students can resume their studies in a safe and conducive environment.

“Bengo Secondary School plays a vital role in our community, providing an affordable education option for many students within and beyond our ward. Given its importance and vulnerability, it’s crucial that we take swift action to repair the damaged classrooms and prevent further destruction,” he said.

Gwanda District Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) focal person, Awakhiwe Moyo, estimated that US$10,000 will be required to restore the damaged infrastructure.

“On October 27, 2025, at approximately 4 pm, a severe hailstorm struck Bengo Secondary School, causing extensive damage to the school’s infrastructure. The storm resulted in widespread destruction, affecting multiple classroom blocks, facilities, and property. One classroom block suffered significant damage, with its roof completely blown off, and adjacent blocks were also impacted.

“Furniture, textbooks, teaching materials, and teachers’ files were exposed to heavy rain, leading to significant losses. As a result, three classes are now without a learning space, disrupting the academic calendar and impacting the learning environment,” he said.

Moyo said the Civil Protection Committee will continue to assess the situation and provide support where possible to ensure the school can recover and continue to provide quality education to its students.He also said in order to curb future incidents, there is a need for the school to put in place windbreaks. The civil protection and DRR structures have been set up at the grassroots level up to the district level.

“Our civil protection committee and disaster risk reduction committee structures have been trained and equipped with knowledge that will be crucial, especially at this time when we will be expecting rains.This training has also cascaded down to community members. Our goal is that community members play a part in mitigating and preventing disasters. We also want to ensure timeous reporting in case of incidents,” he said.