Thupeyo Muleya
Beitbridge Bureau
A hailstorm left a trail of destruction in eastern Beitbridge district, mainly at Tshituripasi, on Tuesday afternoon.
Structural damage was reported at Tshituripasi Clinic, Tshituripasi Primary and Secondary schools, among other public infrastructure.
The clinic and secondary school serve a catchment of an estimated 4 000 villagers from Ward 1.
The local Civil Protection Committee has since dispatched a team to assess the damage on the ground pending resource mobilisation and repairs.
Civil Protection Committee focal person in the District Development Coordinator’s office, Mr Jahson Mugodzwa, confirmed the development.
“You will note that there are some extensive damages to most buildings here and we would need more resources to get things back to normalcy,” said Mr Mugodzwa.
“However, we are still assessing damages in all affected areas in the ward pending further action.”
According to the latest Meteorological Services Department (MSD) advisory, there will be scattered thunderstorms with possible hailstorms and localised heavy downpours affecting Matabeleland South from Tuesday, before conditions become more stable in the southern half of the country on Wednesday.
The MSD said where storms occur, risks include lightning, strong winds, hail, and flash flooding — especially in low-lying areas, near rivers and in urban centres.
Members of the public have been advised to avoid sheltering under isolated trees, avoid flooded roads and river crossings, secure loose outdoor items and seek sturdy shelter if thunderstorms develop.
