Times Of Swaziland: 117 HOUSES, 621 PEOPLE, 4 SCHOOLS AFFECTED

117 HOUSES, 621 PEOPLE, 4 SCHOOLS AFFECTED
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Sibusiso Zwane and Gcinile Phungwayo on 29/10/2024 07:50:00


MANZINI - A total of 117 houses, with 621 people and four schools, were affected
by the severe windstorm that hit the country on Sunday night.
This is according to a situational report which was released by the National
Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) Communications Office yesterday.It also
highlighted that there were 1 667 power outages recorded as a result of the
windstorm. The NDMA said on Sunday evening, a severe windstorm swept across the
Kingdom of Eswatini and impacted mainly the Manzini, Lubombo and Hhohho regions.
The agency said this storm has inflicted extensive damage to residential areas,
infrastructure and local livelihoods. “An estimated 117 households, comprising
of approximately 621 individuals, have been severely affected. Four schools have
also sustained damage and this disrupted educational activities,” reads part
of the report.
Windstorm
One of the affected schools is Sydney Williams Primary School in Manzini, where
the windstorm blew away its roofing. However, classes and Grade VII external
exams were not disturbed. The agency further said the storm’s impact was
profound as it caused extensive damage, left many homes with significant
structural issues, including roofing which was blown off and walls that were
destroyed. It added that infrastructure was also severely affected as fallen
trees and debris blocked roads, hindering access and transport in the process.
Once more, the agency said there were also countrywide power outages due to
power lines that were downed by the windstorm.
“Communities were left without electricity and this affected essential
services like communication and refrigeration of perishables,” reads part of
the statement. Additionally, the agency said the storm also damaged both
commercial and household gardens and chicken sheds, which resulted in
significant losses to food security and income sources for affected families. On
another note, the NDMA said in collaboration with Baphalali Eswatini Red Cross
Society (BERCS), they are coordinating response interventions to address the
immediate needs of those affected.  It said affected households are being
supported with emergency relief material, which include tarpaulins to provide
temporary shelter. It then encouraged communities to remain vigilant and follow
issued advisories at all times.
Again, it said in response to the severe weather forecast issued by the Eswatini
Department of Meteorology, it urged members of the public to take immediate
actions to safeguard lives and property. It said severe thunderstorms are
anticipated to impact the western and southern regions of Eswatini and it brings
risks of intense lightning, strong winds and hail. Therefore, it said it is
essential for everyone to remain vigilant and proactive in protecting themselves
and their assets during this critical time.