The rainy season has scarcely begun and some rural communities around Vhembe have already been experiencing the destructive side of it. The week before last, a hailstorm swept over the area, leaving farmers from the Rietvlei area with irreparable damage to entire crops – some that were just about to be harvested. On the night of 9 November, families from Tshiungani in the Niani area, in the Musina Municipality, were left homeless after a fierce wind, followed by a heavy thunderstorm, wreaked havoc in the village.
Several homes collapsed with rooftops and uprooted trees scattered all over the village. The local Lwaphungu High School also suffered serious damage.
One of the victims, Ms Leah Mudzielwana, said the walls of her four-room house had started to shake and the corrugated roof had rattled violently before the windows had been smashed and the roof sheets torn off by the detructive wind. She is now temporarily staying with her neighbours.
Mr Michael Tshivhiyahuvhi also had to bear the brunt of the storm. One of the walls of his three-room house collapsed completely, leaving the family running for cover and everything they owned inside exposed to the pelting rain. "All my furniture, blankets and groceries were damaged. I did not sustain any major injuries, but I am still extremely shocked. I do not have money to replace or repair my loss," he said.
The spokesperson of the Vhembe District Municipality, Mr Matodzi Ralushai, promised to help the affected families and communities. He said the municipality would make use of their disaster fund to bring relief to those affected. He said that disaster-management officials were assessing the damage and would compile a report to help them determine what kind of assistance was needed. "We are busy assessing the damage and will assist the victims by giving out blankets and tents for immediate help," said Ralushai.