An armyworm outbreak and flooding have destroyed vast tracts of grazing pastures across the province especially in the Masvingo and Zaka districts. Nearly 3 500 hectares of maize were destroyed. In other districts such as Zaka and Bikita close to 1000 hectares of maize and other cereal crops were destroyed The floods also damaged the crops. Both floods and the armyworm outbreak swept away maize and sorghum, leaving villagers facing imminent food shortages. Armyworm is a deleterious pest of crops and rangeland herbage. The late onset of rains resulting in prolonged dry weather followed by wet conditions and conducive wind drifts can create a favorable environment for the outbreak and spread of the pest in South Africa. ubAlert