Matopo villagers left homeless after devastating storm

In an unsettling turn of events, Matopo Villagers in ward 9 of UMzingwane District under Chief Mathe, have been left homeless after a devastating storm hit on Sunday, leaving a trail of destruction and displacements.

The fierce winds tore through the area, destroying homes and leaving numerous families without shelter. The affected families are now seeking refuge in makeshift shelter, overcrowding in the few remaining huts, and are appealing to well-wishers for help.

Local Councillor, Bekezela Ndlovu, has issued an urgent appeal for assistance, highlighting the critical need for: construction materials (cement, zinc roofing sheets), temporary tents, food and bedding. Currently, assessment efforts are hindered by poor network connectivity, making it a challenge to determine the full extent of the damage.

“Our teams face significant challenges due to poor mobile network coverage,” said Councillor Bekezela Ndlovu. “We cannot accurately say how many households were affected, and there’s a fear that some affected households remain unreached.”

Speaking to the unfortunate event, Ms. Ntobizodwa Nkala, Habakkuk Trust Community Advocacy Action Team Youth Desk Coordinator highlighted that the storm is a double tragedy for the community.

“The ongoing drought has left households food insecure and struggling with livestock losses. Now, the winds have taken away their homes, leaving them vulnerable and exposed.”

Matopo Village has been severely impacted by the ongoing drought, which has decimated livestock and exacerbated food insecurity. The latest disaster has pushed families to the brink.

Councillor Ndlovu emphasized the urgent need for support. “We require immediate assistance to provide shelter, food, and basic necessities to these families. We cannot let them suffer alone.”

Habakkuk Trust Executive Director, Dumisani Nkomo, emphasized that mobile network platforms play a crucial role in saving lives and providing access to hard-to-reach areas during disasters.

The organization has in the past tried to facilitate engagement between the local community and mobile network service providers. Although these efforts have yet to yield results, they underscore the need for reliable communication infrastructure in disaster response, as currently being witnessed.