The severe hailstorm that ravaged the Luwade area in Beitbridge last Wednesday has resulted in a growing crisis, leaving approximately 25 individuals, including 12 vulnerable children, without homes due to the extensive damage inflicted.
This vi0lent storm, which struck around midnight on October 23, not only devastated seven homesteads but also inflicted significant harm on local infrastructure, particularly at Nuli School, where several classroom blocks experienced catastrophic roof loss.
Beitbridge District Development Coordinator Sikangezile Mafu highlighted that the destruction extended to vital community resources, including crops and gardens, and directly impacted the Mzingwane dip tank, leaving affected families facing dire food shortages.
Among those hardest hit was the homestead of Makaba Ndlovu, which now stands devoid of any protective structures, underscoring the storm’s brutal impact on local livelihoods.
In response to this disaster, Mafu, serving as chairperson of the Department of Civil Protection in Beitbridge, has proactively reached out to both the donor community and civil society organizations to secure essential aid for the displaced families.
Meanwhile, Beitbridge Rural District Council Chairperson Oscar Chiromo has corroborated the storm’s destructive reach, confirming significant damage at both Nuli and Old Primary Schools, including the loss of educational materials critical for student learning and administration.
In light of these developments, the community’s urgent call for collaborative support emphasizes the pressing need for coordinated efforts to restore services and rebuild the lives of those affected by this devastating natural disaster.
