Violent storm destroys 32 homes in Masvingo

More than 32 families were left homeless and without food last Friday while a woman is said to have sustained injuries when a house collapsed on her after a violent storm left a trail of destruction in Chivi, Masvingo.

The storm, which began at around 5pm, lasted 30 minutes and destroyed several houses.

The most affected village was Batorava under Chief Madyangove. Sarireni and Tagwirei villages suffered nominal loses. The storm also uprooted some trees.

Chivi District Administrator Mr Bernard Hadzirabwi confirmed the development, adding that authorities were still assessing the extent of the damage.

"I received a phone call around 8am today (yesterday) that such an incident occurred. I am told there was a woman who sustained injuries after a house collapsed on her; I am yet to visit the area to assess the damage as well as go to the hospital to see the injured woman," he said.

"Villagers had to seek accommodation from neighbours while others slept in the open after their homes were destroyed. Only after visiting the area will I be in a position to tell you the way forward."

Ward 11 Councillor Mr Walter Nyambi said the damage was extensive.

"The time the storm took is not proportionate to the destruction it caused.

"Villagers now have an extra burden of reconstructing the destroyed homes. Those whose asbestos roofs were blown away were the most affected while in some cases the entire homes collapsed. We have almost 14 homes which were destroyed. It is very unfortunate," he said.

Villagers said roofs were blown away by the strong winds that accompanied the rains that pounded the area.

Some homes resembled a heap of bricks as they were reduced to rubble.

Those affected sought assistance from neighbours who offered them shelter.

Ms Idah Vandirayi said many families lost food during the storm.

"What is more painful is that the little food that we had acquired from the Grain Marketing Board was destroyed. Household property was also drenched.

"We are appealing for assistance from donors and Government to enable us to reconstruct our homes. The rains were literally the first and we have not planted any maize yet," said Ms Vandirayi.

Comments