Hailstorm disaster in Gokwe North

Michael Magoronga, Midlands Correspondent
A hailstorm has left a trail of destruction in Gokwe North after heavy rains accompanied by strong winds destroyed classroom blocks, homesteads and teachers’ houses.

The hailstorm, the second within weeks, blew off roofs at Zanda Primary from a classroom block and teachers’ houses on Sunday.

The destructive rains also left a trail of destruction in Gumunyu after destroying houses, leaving about 12 families homeless.

Gokwe North district development coordinator who also chairs the District Civil Protection Unit, Mr Martin Musakanda, confirmed the incident saying at least seven teachers were left homeless after the disaster.

“Days after the first hailstorm, which left about 20 families homeless, disaster struck again as the hailstorm affected Zanda Primary School.

“As it stands, seven teachers were left without accommodation. The violent storm blew off roofs from houses in Gumunyu near Tchoda. About 12 households were affected and some are currently without places to stay,” said Mr Musakanda.

He said although there were no casualties in all the incidents, the CPU was now mobilising for resources to repair the damaged property and assist the displaced families.

“We are now mobilising resources so that we can be able to rebuild the houses that were affected. We are calling upon well-wishers to assist in any way that can be helpful that our people can get shelter,” he said. “We are also looking for resources to be able to reconstruct teachers’ houses at Zanda Primary so that our teachers can have decent accommodation.”