A hailstorm left a trail of destruction in Mahetshe village, Matobo ward 19 on Tuesday afternoon, destroying several properties. According to reports,Mahetshe Primary and Secondary Schools were the most damaged. The storm is reported to have left villagers counting their losses, after some homesteads had their roofs blown off.
At Mahetshe Secondary School, the hailstorm destroyed classroom blocks leading to loss of learning materials and 100 bags of cement meant for construction.
According to Mr. Shakespear Ndlovu, a village head who is also the Habakkuk Trust Community Advocacy Action Team Convener, the hailstorm lasted for half an hour, leaving untold destruction in the community.
“The storm which began in the afternoon lasted for 30 minutes, resulting in damage to infrastructure and loss of property” said village head Ndlovu.
The destruction of learning areas comes at a time when learners are sitting for their grade 7 and Ordinary Level examinations.
Heavy rains experienced in the District last year resulted in oversaturation and collapse of mud huts.
According to the Zimbabwe National Climate Change Response Strategy document, the impact of climate change and variability are becoming more evident with increased incidences of droughts, floods, hailstorms and heat waves.
Source: Habakkuk Trust
