Story by Aifheli Mudau
A violent hailstorm has destroyed homes and damaged a school in the Swereki community of Beitbridge, leaving families displaced and traumatised.
The storm, which struck Ha-Khohomela area in Beitbridge West on Sunday evening, caused widespread destruction, ripping off roofs, uprooting trees and destroying household property.
“I have never witnessed such a violent and powerful hailstorm. All roofing sheets were blown away, blankets and other property destroyed, and I do not know what to do because I am still traumatised. I am grateful the children were not injured, but I was hit by flying objects,” said Kohomela villager Ms Evelina Mbedzi.
Another resident, Ms Ester Dube, said the community remains fearful following the incident.
“It was Sunday evening when we heard a loud noise from the eastern side. We later realised it was heavy rains. Big trees were uprooted, houses destroyed, and even now we are afraid of sleeping in our homes,” she said.
The storm also caused significant damage at Swereki Secondary School, disrupting learning infrastructure.
“Our school was badly affected, and we are appealing for assistance so that learners can return to decent facilities when schools reopen,” said School Development Committee treasurer Mr Sobusa Mbedzi.
Beitbridge West legislator, Honourable Thusani Ndou said urgent interventions are required to support affected families and restore damaged infrastructure.
“I was alerted by villagers after the hailstorm. The school infrastructure was severely damaged, and I will engage relevant stakeholders to ensure repairs are done before schools reopen so that learning continues smoothly,” he said.
The Civil Protection Department is currently assessing the extent of the damage across the district, as similar weather-related incidents continue to highlight the growing impact of climate change on vulnerable communities.
