Hailstorm leaves trail of destruction

Several villagers under ward 7 in Hurungwe North constituency lost structures and household goods to the storm.

A HAILSTORM that hit parts of Hurungwe in Mashonaland West province on Monday left a trail of destruction and some villagers homeless.

District development co-ordinator Andrew Tizora said they were still assessing the damage.

“We are still working out to see how much was damaged. Information from outlying rural areas is still coming through,’’ Tizora said.

On Tuesday, he led a team of government officials to Magunje Rural Hospital, where an outpatients ward roof was blown off and two staff houses damaged.

“Two staff houses were extensively damaged by the strong hailstorm and the damage is serious. We are glad that the debris did not affect anyone,’’ he added.

Tizora said several schools and villages in the district were affected.

In Hurungwe West constituency, at least five classroom blocks at Chiroti Primary School had their roofs blown off, while two staff houses were damaged.

Two classroom blocks at Chipfuko Secondary School were also damaged.

Sengwe Secondary School was also affected by the hailstorm, among others.

“We are still getting some updates from affected areas,” Tizora said.

“We need to convene an emergency meeting with key stakeholders so that we mobilise resources before the onset of heavy rains,” he said.

“This is a natural disaster that we are appealing for assistance from well-wishers.”

Several villagers under ward 7 in Hurungwe North constituency lost structures and household goods to the storm.

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