Hailstorm leaves trail of destruction in Makoni

POWERFUL winds accompanied by a heavy downpour swept across Chitenderano Village in Makoni South last week causing a trail of destruction that left over 20 homesteads destroyed and the villagers homeless.

When The Herald visited Ward 30 villagers were still battling to come to terms with the effects of the hailstorm.

They lost valuables like clothes, food and household property.

The affected villagers are surviving on the benevolence of well-wishers.

They are pleading with Government, non-governmental organisations and other well-wishers to urgently intervene.

Mr Tafadzwa Gwande said they were now stranded as the hailstorm had reduced them to destitutes.

“The disaster struck when we least expected it because we all thought they were normal rains since we are now in summer. It was our first time to witness such violent rains in our area. The rain was accompanied by very strong winds.

“Roofs were ripped off and the walls collapsed. It severely affected 20 homesteads while many others suffered mild damage. These 20 villagers including myself are still counting huge losses because we lost a lot of valuables.

“Food, clothes and household property were all soaked in rain. Right now some of the affected villagers are being accommodated by neighbours and others have made makeshift houses, which are not safe if the hailstorm returns,” said Mr Gwande.