News / National
Severe storm topples tree, causing extensive damages in Bulawayo
30 Nov 2024 at 12:54hrs | Views
A fierce storm swept through Bulawayo on Thursday, leaving a trail of destruction as a decades-old tree crashed onto a family home in Kumalo suburb. Despite the extensive damage, no injuries or fatalities were reported, according to the Bulawayo Fire Brigade.
The storm, characterized by torrential rains and strong winds, also wreaked havoc in other areas, including Parklands and Hillside, causing fallen trees and power outages in several western suburbs.
The Incident
Fire Brigade Chief Fire Officer Mhlangano Moyo said his team received a distress call at 5:26 PM reporting that a large tree had toppled onto a house on Fitch Road in Kumalo.
"The house sustained significant damage, with the kitchen roof caving in and ceilings and walls destroyed," Moyo explained.
The homeowner, 80-year-old retired educationist Ronald Masuku, and his helper, Pamela Moyo, escaped unhurt.
Pamela Moyo recounted the terrifying moment:
"I was making tea in the kitchen when I heard a loud bang. Initially, I thought lightning had struck the house. I ran to the sitting room, where uBaba was watching TV, only to find the tree had fallen on the roof."
The fallen tree left a large hole in the recently renovated kitchen roof. The family quickly contacted Masuku's daughter, who coordinated with the Fire Brigade from overseas.
Cleanup Efforts
By Saturday, a private contractor had begun clearing the debris and cutting down additional trees on the property to prevent further incidents. Masuku expressed relief that neither he nor his helper was injured, though he admitted feeling shaken by the ordeal.
Citywide Impact
The storm caused widespread disruption across the city: Entumbane Suburb: Several electricity poles collapsed, cutting power. ZESA crews were working to replace the poles and restore electricity. Parklands and Kumalo: Fallen trees blocked roads, prompting the city's parks department to clear the debris. Ascot Shopping Centre: Tree branches damaged a perimeter fence, though the impact was minimal. Mahatshula Suburb: Homes were submerged in rainwater, and the Fire Brigade advised residents to create weep holes in perimeter walls to prevent flooding.
Calls for Action
Residents in affected areas, including Philani Nguluve of Parklands, urged the city council to address aging trees, which are prone to collapse during the rainy season.
"The council should prune or remove old trees to avoid damage to homes and vehicles," said Nguluve.
The storm highlights the need for proactive measures as the Meteorological Services Department (MSD) predicts normal to above-normal rainfall for the season. Residents are advised to remain vigilant and take precautions to safeguard against adverse weather conditions.
This incident underscores the urgency of addressing urban infrastructure vulnerabilities and preparing for Zimbabwe's rainy season.
The storm, characterized by torrential rains and strong winds, also wreaked havoc in other areas, including Parklands and Hillside, causing fallen trees and power outages in several western suburbs.
The Incident
Fire Brigade Chief Fire Officer Mhlangano Moyo said his team received a distress call at 5:26 PM reporting that a large tree had toppled onto a house on Fitch Road in Kumalo.
"The house sustained significant damage, with the kitchen roof caving in and ceilings and walls destroyed," Moyo explained.
The homeowner, 80-year-old retired educationist Ronald Masuku, and his helper, Pamela Moyo, escaped unhurt.
Pamela Moyo recounted the terrifying moment:
"I was making tea in the kitchen when I heard a loud bang. Initially, I thought lightning had struck the house. I ran to the sitting room, where uBaba was watching TV, only to find the tree had fallen on the roof."
The fallen tree left a large hole in the recently renovated kitchen roof. The family quickly contacted Masuku's daughter, who coordinated with the Fire Brigade from overseas.
Cleanup Efforts
By Saturday, a private contractor had begun clearing the debris and cutting down additional trees on the property to prevent further incidents. Masuku expressed relief that neither he nor his helper was injured, though he admitted feeling shaken by the ordeal.
Citywide Impact
The storm caused widespread disruption across the city: Entumbane Suburb: Several electricity poles collapsed, cutting power. ZESA crews were working to replace the poles and restore electricity. Parklands and Kumalo: Fallen trees blocked roads, prompting the city's parks department to clear the debris. Ascot Shopping Centre: Tree branches damaged a perimeter fence, though the impact was minimal. Mahatshula Suburb: Homes were submerged in rainwater, and the Fire Brigade advised residents to create weep holes in perimeter walls to prevent flooding.
Calls for Action
Residents in affected areas, including Philani Nguluve of Parklands, urged the city council to address aging trees, which are prone to collapse during the rainy season.
"The council should prune or remove old trees to avoid damage to homes and vehicles," said Nguluve.
The storm highlights the need for proactive measures as the Meteorological Services Department (MSD) predicts normal to above-normal rainfall for the season. Residents are advised to remain vigilant and take precautions to safeguard against adverse weather conditions.
This incident underscores the urgency of addressing urban infrastructure vulnerabilities and preparing for Zimbabwe's rainy season.
Source - the chronicle
