Staff Reporter

SEVERAL residents in the Omuthiya Constituency were left shaken after strong winds and heavy rain caused widespread damage to homes, uprooted trees and injured at least one person, as violent weather conditions swept through the area ahead of the New Year.

In Okakoko village, a family narrowly escaped injury when strong winds tore the zinc roof off an eight-room house belonging to 92-year-old Meekulu Victoria Haindongo. The roof, along with electricity pipes and wires, was blown nearly 60 metres away, leaving debris scattered across the homestead.

Speaking to officials from the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (MICT) in Oshikoto, Meekulu Haindongo described the incident as terrifying but expressed gratitude that no lives were lost. “It was a terrible experience, but I thank God that everyone is safe,” she said.

Videos: Ministry of ICT Oshikoto regional office

She has appealed to community members and well-wishers for assistance to help rebuild the damaged home.

In a separate incident in Okaniita location in Omuthiya town, 57-year-old Simon Kashimbonde was injured when strong winds uprooted a tree that fell onto the shack where he and his family were sleeping. The impact caused zinc sheets to cut him, while heavy rain followed shortly after the storm.

Kashimbonde’s son said the family heard a loud bang during the storm and later discovered that the tree had collapsed onto their home, causing extensive damage.

Omuthiya Constituency councillor Erastus Nekomba confirmed that several homes were affected by the same storm. “It was unfortunate that Mr Kashimbonde was injured, but we are grateful that he is still alive,” Nekomba said, adding that repairs were already underway at some of the affected homes.

Nekomba visited the damaged properties and appealed to Good Samaritans to assist affected families, particularly the elderly, to restore their homes. He also urged residents to inspect their roofs during the rainy season to prevent similar incidents. “Fortunately, no one was seriously injured,” he said. “We are calling on members of the public to assist these residents to put their homes back in order.”

Meanwhile, another resident, Tate Nahambo Elida, said he was caught off guard by the storm while returning from work. He was forced to seek shelter as strong winds and heavy rain made it impossible to continue, causing panic among residents in the area.

Authorities have urged residents to remain cautious as unstable weather conditions continue across the region.

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