BY PHUMZILE NDLOVU
MBABANE – Deputy Minister Thulisile Dladla on Wednesday paid a courtesy visit to Gogo Piki, who was one of the victims affected by the devastating hailstorm last month.
Gogo Piki resides in Timbutini. Her two-bedroom house was destroyed by the hailstorm. The National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) has already fixed her house. The DPM also delivered food hampers to Gogo Piki and a wheelchair.
The DPM also visited a child headed home at Ngculwini and delivered food parcels as well. The NDMA has already started the rehabilitation of their home.
It is worth mentioning that on December 8, 2023, the kingdom of Eswatini was severely impacted by a devastating hailstorm, causing extensive damage. The Manzini region bore the brunt of the storm, with the Shiselweni and Lubombo regions also significantly affected. Areas including Mafutseni, Kubuta, Mtsambama, Gilgal, Siphofaneni, Mtfongwaneni, and Ngculwini experienced severe damage.
The storm caused significant damage to homes, furniture, vehicles, and businesses and adversely affected critical infrastructure such as schools and healthcare facilities. In response to the urgent need for shelter, NDMA, in collaboration with Baphalali Eswatini Red Cross Society (BERCS) and World Vision Eswatini (WVE), provided immediate relief to over 6,521 individuals. This aid included the distribution of 1,300 tarpaulins and five tents, offering temporary shelter to those affected.
An assessment was conducted to evaluate the storm’s impact, assess the damage, and identify associated risks and vulnerabilities. The assessment revealed that the storm affected 6,298 households, 78 businesses, and 27 educational facilities. However, 53 injuries were reported, and 14 individuals were temporarily displaced, seeking alternative shelter due to the destruction of their homes.
As of January 22, 2024, the NDMA has assisted 684 people through the rehabilitation of 114 houses that were damaged by the hailstorm. NDMA would like to reassure emaSwati that it is responding to the affected communities by working with the Inkhundla Council and community-level structures. They also pleaded for patience from the nation, as they, as an organisation, cannot reach all areas at the same time.
