By Caroline Washaya Moyo
MUTASA District in Manicaland Province was hit by low rainfall accompanied by strong winds this evening, resulting in damage to houses and schools as communities experienced another bout of severe weather.
Speaking in an interview, Headman Knowledge Sanyamande said Pafiwa Primary School was among the worst affected institutions, with the roof of one of the school blocks blown off by the strong winds.
“The most affected school is Pafiwa Primary School where a school block had its roof taken away,” Headman Sanyamande said.
He urged community members to take weather warnings seriously and remain indoors during periods of strong winds and storms, saying staying together under a secure roof could help reduce the risk of loss of life when disasters occur.
Headman Sanyamande said efforts were already being made to engage the Civil Protection Unit (CPU) to assess the situation and determine how best the affected households and schools could be assisted.
The damage in Mutasa comes as parts of the country continue to experience unstable weather conditions, with authorities and communities being urged to remain vigilant.
In Masvingo Province, a severe hailstorm last night caused damage to vehicles, houses and other property, prompting authorities to assess the extent of the destruction and consider assistance to affected communities.
The successive weather-related incidents highlight the need for communities to strengthen preparedness and heed safety advice during thunderstorms, hailstorms and strong winds.
Schools and households in areas prone to severe weather are particularly encouraged to secure loose structures, avoid sheltering under trees and remain indoors in safe buildings until the storm has passed.
The incidents also underscore the importance of a coordinated response involving local leadership, schools, communities and the Civil Protection Unit to ensure that affected families receive timely assistance and that damaged public infrastructure is made safe.
