Bulawayo hit by devastating storm

The heavy downpour that hit Bulawayo on Tuesday this week has left a trail of destruction across several suburbs, Southern Eye has established.

Residents in affected areas were left in distress as violent winds accompanied the torrential rains, blowing off roofs and damaging buildings, food supplies, and personal belongings such as blankets.

Among the hardest-hit suburbs were Sizinda and Richmond, where 20 tenants are now seeking refuge at neighbors' homes after suffering significant losses.

In an interview, Bulawayo City Council Acting Chief Fire Officer Mahlangano Moyo revealed that roofing sheets worth approximately ZiG300 000 (about US$10 300 at the interbank rate) were destroyed.

"Twenty houses were affected by the storm, with three roofing sheets per house, along with infrastructure, food items, and blankets swept away. The damage caused is approximately ZiG300 000," Moyo said.

He added that the operations to clear the debris were suspended on Tuesday evening due to poor visibility and will resume on Wednesday to complete the recovery efforts.

Moyo urged residents to regularly inspect their roof nails and replace any weak ones to prevent similar incidents in the future.

"They should also ensure their precast walls have weep holes. If we find a wall without a weep hole, they will be charged, as this can cause flooding," he said.

In Cowdray Park, residents with disabilities expressed concern about the flooding caused by the heavy rains, which have impeded their ability to travel to the central business district for alms.