MBABANE – The number of households affected by the storm has increased to 563, as the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) continues to assess the damage.
At least 2 819 people were affected, in increase from yesterday’s reported 2 280. Also, the NDMA reported that 11 schools were affected. Many communities may not have an adequate water supply after the hailstorm caused damage to key water supply infrastructure, with several solar-powered boreholes completely destroyed.
The NDMA said this is one of the impacts discovered, as the agency continued to take stock of the extent of damage caused by the storm.
It said the damage to water infrastructure created additional pressure on communities already struggling with limited access to clean water and has highlighted the need for urgent restoration of alternative water sources.
The NDMA further said in collaboration with the Baphalali Eswatini Red Cross Society (BERCS), it has activated emergency response mechanisms to provide immediate support to affected households.
As part of the initial relief efforts, a total of 63 tarpaulins and 12 food parcels have been distributed to the most vulnerable families to address urgent shelter and food needs. “Response teams remain on the ground conducting in-depth assessments to determine outstanding requirements across all affected communities.”
However, as rainfall has subsided, access to communities that were previously unreachable has been restored. The NDMA noted that significant damage to road infrastructure continues to impede movement and delay full assessment and relief operations.
*…
Patients advised to go to other clinics
PIGG’S PEAK – The Principal Secretary (PS) in the Ministry of Health, Khanyakwezwe Mabuza, has urged patients in northern Hhohho to use other nearest health facilities, while awaiting the assessment report for the Mkhuzweni Health Centre.
This follows a devastating heavy storm that caused massive destruction across many parts of the country. The storm, accompanied by strong winds, left an estimated 2 280 people from 380 households in unsafe conditions. Nine schools and two health facilities were also affected.
Mkhuzweni Health Centre is one of the facilities hugely impacted, where the roofing of wards was blown away, exposing 10 patients to the open.
Following the incident, the Minister for Tinkhundla Administration and Development, Sikhumbuzo Dlamini, on behalf of the Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla, visited the centre on Wednesday with NDMA CEO Victor Mahlalela to assess the damage. Dlamini stressed that the health facility needs to be rehabilitated as soon as possible. PS Mabuza confirmed that the damage at the facility was ‘very huge’. He mentioned that he personally went to assess the situation and witnessed the damage, noting that all the wards, including those for children and males, were affected.
“Also, the roofing of the Outpatient Department (OPD) was damaged,” he said.
However, he said they conducted an assessment with Microprojects and are now waiting for a report from them anytime soon, so they can address the situation at the health facility.
Mabuza said at the ministry, they understand the plight of not having a nearby facility and they are trying with all means to resolve the issue. He confirmed that critically ill patients are currently being transferred to Herefords Clinic and Pigg’s Peak Government Hospital. He urged other patients in northern Hhohho to use the nearest health facilities while waiting for the Mkhuzweni Health Centre report. Meanwhile, the Buhleni Town Board Chief Executive Officer, Gordon Mbuli, said the damage to the town is disheartening, especially as Buhleni was recently declared a town and they were in the process of development.
*Full article available in our publication
Leave a comment