Several residents were left homeless and without shelter after a heavy storm struck the Nzhelele area on Saturday evening. Fortunately, no one was reported injured.
According to reports, electricity cables were damaged and the roofs of numerous houses were destroyed. The areas affected by the storm are: Mawoni, Tshituni-Thembaluvhilo, Tshituni-Tshantha, TshituniTshafhasi, Divhani, Mapila, Makongoza, Matsa Phaphaphani/Malenga, Makungwi, Mpheni Block D 2, Ha-Matsha Codesa and Tshakhuma-Dzananwa. On Sunday afternoon, villagers were still drying out mattresses, blankets, clothes, furniture and food.
In reaction to the event, the executive mayor of Vhembe, Cllr Florence Radzilani, said that her team was busy seeking funds from the local business sector to support the victims. "We also identified a need for houses to assist the affected families. In this regard, we are planning to approach the provincial government to intervene," she said.
Mr Tshimangadzo Makhokha from Divhani said that the after the storm had hit the village, the house's corrugated roof was badly damaged and some of the sheets that were part of the roof were completely blown away.
The spokesperson of Makhado Municipality, Mr Louis Bobodi, said the municipality sympathised with the victims and would help those who were left homeless by providing food parcels.