Victoria Falls plunged into darkness

A powerful and sudden windstorm tore through Victoria Falls on Monday evening, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. The unexpected weather event, described by witnesses as a dry whirlwind, struck around 6 PM, toppling trees and electricity poles and plunging the iconic resort city into darkness.

The storm, which lasted less than five minutes, forced residents and tourists to scramble for shelter as it uprooted trees and damaged infrastructure. The disruption extended to water pumping systems, leaving the city without a water supply.

Similar scenes unfolded in Hwange, where falling trees crushed vehicles, and in Bulawayo's Nkulumane 12 suburb, where shattered window panes added to the damage.

Residents of Victoria Falls described the event as highly unusual, with some expressing concern over the increasingly unpredictable weather patterns.

"We've seen windy conditions before, but nothing as sudden and destructive as this," said a local shop owner.

Meteorologists have yet to issue an explanation for the storm, though dry squalls are occasionally observed during Zimbabwe's transitional seasons.

Efforts to restore electricity and water services are ongoing, with engineers working to repair damaged power lines and assess the extent of the disruption. Authorities in Victoria Falls have urged residents to exercise caution, particularly in areas with fallen trees and damaged infrastructure.

As the cleanup continues, affected communities in Hwange and Bulawayo are also counting their losses, with local councils mobilizing resources to assist those impacted.

Environmental experts have highlighted the need for increased preparedness and climate-resilient infrastructure to mitigate the impact of such unexpected weather events.

This storm serves as a stark reminder of nature's unpredictability and the importance of proactive measures to protect lives and property in Zimbabwe's urban and rural areas alike.