Lightning strikes five homesteads in Mashonaland

Several people were left homeless after five homesteads were struck by lightning last week in Muzarabani.

Resultantly, the villagers from Hoya, Chadereka, Ndove, Bore, Museredza have been enduring cold nights in the rain while some have found shelter elsewhere.

In an interview with the Herald after the handover of temporary tents and non-food items sourced by Muzarabani North legislator Alfred Mufunga (Zanu-PF), Mr Abel Gorejena of Mvundura Village under Chief Kasekete said his 14-year-old son suffered a fracture after the bolt tossed him 30 metres away.

"It was around midnight last week when five of my children and wife were sleeping in the same thatched hut.

"The lightning struck and the door was opened to an extent that my son was thrown outside.

"He suffered a broken hand and the family had to rush outside because the roof was on fire. Everything was burnt in the inferno including food and blankets," he said.

District administrator Mr Godfrey Mudimu said he was mobilising more assistance for the victims.

"Such has been the case over the past few days and we urge all those who experience such emergency situations to immediately file reports to the local leadership," he said.

Local MP Mufunga added: "We are pleading for those in the corporate sector to come with assistance for the five homesteads that were struck by lightning and they currently do not have shelter.

"The area falls under the Zambezi valley where such weather conditions are experienced."