By EPN Reporter
MBABANE – Baphalali Eswatini Red Cross Society (BERCS) and National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) have started responding to the storm that left a trail of destruction on Monday this week.
This is according to a report issued by the NDMA Communications Manager Wandile Mavuso on what is being done to help the people who were affected by this natural disaster. “In response to the storm, 75 people have been provided with 15 tarpaulins and 3 tents for temporary shelter, and food parcels have been distributed to households whose food stocks were damaged by the storm,” Mavuso said.
Mavuso said the NDMA and BERCS were still conducting a rapid assessment of the storm that affected the country on February 5, 2024. The number of affected households has risen to 436, with over 2 616 people as the majority of their houses were damaged while others were destroyed by the storm.
Additionally, 58 people from 11 households have been temporarily displaced by the storm and have sought shelter from relatives and neighbours, while 11 others have been injured. The storm has also caused damage to critical infrastructure, including seven schools, four NCP’s, four churches, and 18 businesses. The agricultural sector has been hit the hardest, with the storm destroying maize fields, beans, and vegetable gardens. About 135 hectares of maize fields have been affected.
Hhohho and Manzini Regions are the only ones that have been affected by the storm. Six constituencies have been hit by the storm within the Hhohho Region, while only one constituency (Lobamba Lomdzala) has been affected in the Manzini Region. The affected constituencies in the Hhohho Region include Pigg’s Peak, Mhlangatane, Mbabane West, Mbabane East, Hhukwini, and Mayiwane.
Pigg’s Peak has suffered the most from this natural disaster, as 282 households have been affected, with 1 692 people affected. Mhlangatane has 45 households and 270 people affected. Mbabane West has 17 households and 102 people affected. Mbabane East has 41 households and 246 people affected. Hhukwini has six affected households and 36 affected people. Mayiwane, on the other hand, has 40 households and 240 people affected. Lobamba Lomdzala, in the Manzini Region, has five households and 30 people affected.
Below are tips provided by the disaster management organisations on what needs to be done to alleviate damage during a storm:
- Trim weak or overhanging branches near your houses to prevent them from causing damage during the windstorm.
- Inspect roofs for loose or damaged shingles and make necessary repairs to prevent rain from entering the home.
- Park vehicles in a garage or away from trees and structures that may pose a threat of damage during the storm.
- Monitor for signs of structural damage, such as shifting or creaking noises, and be prepared to evacuate if necessary.
- Avoid drowned power lines; always assume they are energized/live and report them to Eswatini Electricity Company.
- Seek refuge in an interior room away from windows to avoid potential shattering or flying debris
- Secure or bring indoors any objects susceptible to being blown around by strong winds.
For further information, please contact: NDMA Communications Manager, email: wandile@ndma.org.sz, Tel +268 24095500
