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ZOMBODZE EMUVA – Residents of Nkofeni in Zombodze Emuva, are counting losses after a violent storm ripped through the area on Monday afternoon, leaving several homesteads damaged and families without proper shelter.
The freak weather struck between 4pm and 4:30pm, bringing strong winds, lightning, hail and heavy rainfall that caused extensive destruction across the community. Although the storm lasted only a few minutes, its impact was severe, with roofs torn off houses, windows shattered and trees uprooted.
Residents described the incident as sudden and frightening.
“It was only a few minutes, but it caused so much destruction,” said Thulisile Agnes Ndlangamandla, one of the affected residents.
She said the strong winds lifted roofing sheets off her home, destroyed parts of her kitchen and soaked household items as heavy rain poured into the damaged structures. She added that the hailstorm worsened the situation, leaving many possessions completely destroyed.
Ndlangamandla expressed concern for other families in the area whose homes were also left roofless, saying they were now exposed to the elements. “If the rains return, they will not have a place to sleep,” she said, adding that furniture, clothing and school books had been destroyed in several homesteads.
Local authority, Bucopho Nhlanhla Magagula, confirmed that at least six homesteads were affected by the storm. He said officials had begun visiting the area to assess the extent of the damage and determine immediate needs of the affected families.
“We have been visiting the affected homes to assess the damage caused by this storm,” Magagula said.
He further confirmed that the matter had been reported to the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), although efforts to secure additional assistance from non-governmental organisations were still ongoing.
The NDMA has since acknowledged receiving reports of storm damage in Zombodze Emuva and other parts of the country. Acting Communications Manager Ntabeni Msibi said the country had experienced severe weather conditions, including heavy rainfall, hail and strong winds in several regions.
“In addition to the damage reported in Zombodze Emuva in the Shiselweni Region, the NDMA has also received reports of storm-related damage from Mhlangatane Inkhundla in the Hhohho Region,” Msibi said.
He said NDMA rapid response teams had been deployed to assess the extent of the damage and establish the immediate humanitarian needs of affected families.
As unstable weather conditions continue, the NDMA has urged members of the public to take precautionary measures to reduce the risk of injury and damage. The agency advised residents to reinforce rooftops, secure loose materials such as stones and bricks, and ensure that windows are properly fastened during storms.
The public has also been warned against crossing flooded roads, sheltering under trees during thunderstorms and using electrical appliances during lightning activity.
The NDMA further appealed to communities to remain alert, monitor weather updates from the Eswatini Meteorology Service and report any emergencies to their nearest disaster management offices as the country continues to experience unpredictable weather patterns.
