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Freedom Mupanedemo, Midlands Bureau
ONE person was killed while several homesteads were destroyed when a violent storm razed through Silobela plunging the area into darkness, acting chairperson of the Civil Protection Unit, (CPU, Kwekwe District, Mr Clemence Muduma, has confirmed.
He said Silobela and part of Nkayi district were also plunged into darkness after strong winds uprooted electricity poles.
Mr Muduma said the now deceased, Mr Chamu Msipa (47) was at his homestead in Hozoli area, Silobela, together with the family when he was struck by lightning.
“His homestead was also destroyed by the strong winds that followed leaving his family stuck with the body in the open,” he said.
Mr Muduma said several other homesteads had their roofs blown off and the CPU was already on the ground to assist victims.
“Some houses and huts were destroyed and the CPU is on the ground to assess the situation and render the necessary support to the affected villagers,” he said.
Local Member of Parliament, Cde Mthokozisi Mpofu, said the most affected areas were in wards 20, 21 and 22. He said there is no power in the whole of Silobela and parts of Nkayi.
The MP appealed for swift reaction from the district CPU saying the situation on the ground was dire.
Cde Mpofu said some people are sleeping in the open and were appealing for assistance from well-wishers.
“We also appreciate the efforts being made by the district CPU in assisting the affected,” he said.
Cde Mpofu said employees from the Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) were on the ground working to restore power in the area.
“We don’t have power in the whole of Silobela and parts of Nkayi.
“We, however, commend ZETDC officials for their swift response, they are already on the ground working on restoring power,” he said.
Sidumisile Mabena
Online Reporter