117 HOUSES, 621 PEOPLE, 4 SCHOOLS AFFECTED

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.

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