Hailstorm leaves trail of destruction

SCORES of homesteads were reportedly destroyed when a powerful hailstorm which left members of one family injured, hit Tshelanyemba and surrounding areas in Matobo District on Saturday afternoon.

In an interview yesterday, Chief Malaba said the extent of damage was yet to be ascertained.

The storm blew off roofs, uprooted trees,  destroyed power lines and  shattered vehicle windscreens but there were no fatalities.

Chief Malaba said the storm that hit almost all villages in his area, started at about 1pm and lasted less than an hour.

He said members of a family in Sigangatsha area in Sasame were rushed to St Joseph's Hospital after their house collapsed trapping them inside.

"Yes it is true I am getting reports from different areas about the destruction that took place especially in Sigangatsha area. Closer to my homestead a house was completely destroyed by the storm," said Chief Malaba.

He said the situation was serious in Singangatsha where several homesteads were reportedly destroyed.

In November last year, four members of the same family were burnt to death when lightning struck the bedroom hut they were sleeping in in the same village.

A number of people reportedly got stranded in Tshelanyemba where they had gone to attend a funeral near Tshelanyemba Business Centre on Saturday.

"We were at a funeral and it started raining when people were about to eat soon after burial. No one thought it could be that serious but suddenly there were strong winds that sent people scurrying for cover. The hail was falling," said Mr Leander Dube.

Mr Dube said before the storm the place was very dry and people had to dig for water from the dry Shashane River.

Mr Thulani Mpofu, a villager said the vehicle they were travelling in had its windscreen damaged.

"The rain damaged the roof of the house that we were hiding in and fell electricity poles.  Behind the village, the whole area was flooded and some trees were submerged," he said.

Mr Mthokozisi Matshazi, who had visited the area said: "A similar storm occurred in November and I think such disasters should be publicised so that people take measures to minimise damage.

Zanu-PF national chairman Simon Khaya Moyo said he was deeply disturbed by the development in the Chief Bango area and was already making contacts seeking assistance.

"I am making contacts with Matabeleland South Governor Angeline Masuku and other relevant authorities to see how best we can assist to alleviate the suffering of the affected people," said  Khaya Moyo.

He said swift action would be taken to address the matter.

"I appeal to whoever can assist with food and shelter to act swiftly through the Governor's office and that of Mangwe district administrator," said Khaya Moyo.

No comment could be obtained from the Meteorological Department yesterday.