Families left homeless after storm hits Makhado villages
Moreti Manngu's family was one of several who were left homeless after a recent storm in the area. She also sustained injuries during the storm.
LIMPOPO – Two young girls were injured and taken to hospital after the walls of their home collapsed and the roof was ripped off during a storm last week.
This family was one of many who suffered severe damage to their property during heavy rains in Madodonga, Tshikhodobo and Madabani villages in the Kutama area.
Most of the victims come from poor backgrounds and have lost their groceries, furniture, clothes and other belongings.
Thapelo Mangomeni, whose five-roomed house was severely damaged, said a strong wind had swept through the village, leaving everyone frantically running for cover.
“Big raindrops fell, followed by the loud cracking sounds of thunder and flashes of lightning. All my furniture, blankets and groceries were damaged, and I do not have money to replace or repair it. I did not sustain any major injuries, but I am extremely shocked at the damage that was caused by the storm,” he said.
Christinah Selota of Madodonga lost her one-room house when one of the walls collapsed and all her possessions were damaged. She lives with six other family members.
“When the storm started in the afternoon, I was inside the house. I thought of hiding inside the wardrobe, but I became very afraid,” she said.
The situation worsened for her as deafening sounds started coming from the roof.
She said that the walls started to shake, and the roof rattled and shook violently. The roof sheets were ripped off and the windows also broke due to the storm.
Vhembe District Municipal Spokesperson, Matodzi Ralushai, said the municipality sympathises with the victims.
He confirmed that a number of families had been left homeless after their houses had collapsed, but they had not yet received any reports of injuries. They were still waiting for feedback from the Makhado Local Municipality.
