Hailstorm destroys homes in Beitbridge

The councillor for the area, Clr Luke Ndou, said the incident occurred on Saturday afternoon between 4pm and 5pm during which 10 goats were also killed by lightning.
The downpour, which was preceded by strong winds and hailstorm, also disrupted power supplies at Shashe Irrigation Scheme.
“Hailstorm left a trail of destruction in Maramani ward during which 15 homesteads were destroyed by the strong winds and villagers also lost 10 goats in Limpopo area.
“When I visited the affected areas, it was quite shocking and you could see twigs, leaves, shrubs and tree stems all over, evidence of the effects of the strong winds. The roofs were down and scattered all over,” he said.
Clr Ndou said the worst affected areas were Shashe and Limpopo where an elderly woman believed to be aged 100, was among the victims.
“We are now appealing to the Government, well-wishers and NGOs to chip in and assist the victims in this hour of need,” he said.
Clr Ndou said they have since notified the Department of Social Welfare over the issue.
The latest incident follows a similar development in which pupils and teachers at Kwalu Secondary School in neighbouring Tshamnangana village were left scurrying for cover after the roof of classroom blocks were blown off by the storm during lessons.
Several homes including a local clinic and a church building were also destroyed in that incident.