The past weekend's rain that was meant to bring relief after a dry winter season turned into disaster for many residents. Fierce storms and strong winds tore through villages, destroying homes and leaving families in distress.
"We are still in shock and feeling the effects of the disaster," said Tshikambe community leader Mr Avhapfani Ramakuela. "More than 24 households were affected, with some left destitute."
In Duvhuledza and Tshikambe, outside Thohoyandou, uprooted trees, downed power lines, and roofs torn from houses left dozens struggling to recover.
The storms started on Friday, 17 October. They caused severe damage across the area.
"The damage caused is too much. In one instance, a granny had her two-room house collapse. Other parts of the village were left in darkness after electric cables were damaged. We have not seen something like this in this area," he said.
He added that the municipality had been contacted and that the local councillor had already brought some relief in the form of food parcels.
"We know some of the residents managed to repair their houses, but we still need assistance as many of those affected are unemployed," Ramakuela said.
One of the gravely affected residents, Mr Hudson Thagwana, had the roof of his house blown away.
"It was around 19:30 while I was sitting in an outside kitchen when I heard loud bangs of lightning, followed by heavy storms. I could not even go to the main house. Suddenly, the roof of the main house was gone. When the rain subsided, everything was wet. The damage caused is worth thousands, and I do not even know how I will be able to replace it. I am not working since I was retrenched during Covid. We received some groceries from our councillor, but we will accept any other form of assistance to ease our situation," he said.
Vhembe District spokesperson Mr Moses Shivambu confirmed that reports of damage had been received.
"So far, we have received information that 88 households were affected. This is not the total number as our officials are still on the ground. Our municipalities are doing the needed interventions in their respective areas. We will give a full account as soon as officials are done with the assessment," he said.