Families left destitute after storm at Hlobo village in Eastern Cape

A freak storm has left a trail of destruction at Hlobo village in Ngqamakhwe in the Eastern Cape.

Ten families have been badly affected, with four of them left destitute. The storm happened on Monday afternoon.

The aftermath of a storm that only lasted a few minutes, left ten households destroyed. Ablution facilities have been blown away, while power lines have also been cut off.

“We did not think that the storm will leave this destruction. We saw the storm brewing but we underestimated it. Within a few minutes we were told that it has destroyed many households here,” says Zimisele Mazamisa, local traditional leader.

Affected residents had to seek refuge from neighbours and relatives.

“I am now homeless. Have no place to stay. I slept at my neighbour’s house. We had to move at night and the neighbours helped us move our belongings,” says victim Mildred Ntloko.

Residents are now calling on government to help them urgently.

“We are asking the government to assist us urgently because the situation here is very bad. Even the electricity is gone now because powerlines were affected,” says another victim, Nelson Mambumbu.

“We are pleading with government to please build us houses because we are poor. Most of the affected victims here are women who survive on social grant,” says Nkitha Mjeje.

Local authorities have visited the village to assess the damage.

“As the Mnquma Municipality we reported the disaster to the Amathole District Municipality. They came here and saw the extent of the damage. They said there are so many people who are affected, but four families have been left destitute. The four households have nothing. No food, no clothes, nothing. We would appreciate it if the Gift of the Givers could come and assist us,” says ward councillor Thandikhaya Ntshonga.

As some residents prepare to enter into the New Year in a celebratory mood, the affected families say they are devastated.