Hailstorm leaves 260 homeless in Nchalo

A hailstorm has hit people of group village head (GVH) Sekeni in Nchalo, Chikwawa leaving more than 260 households homeless.

The hailstorm, which occurred at around 8pm on Saturday, blew roofs off several houses and completely destroyed others.

GVH Sekeni described the experience as terrible and frustrating, saying this comes at a time people have not yet recovered from the disaster caused by flooding early this year.

“We have not yet recovered from the disaster caused by the floods and now we have had to face a hailstorm which has swept our homes away,” he said.

Sekeni said the hailstorm has reminded them of the frustration they went through after the floods left them without food.

“We had nothing to eat and now we have no shelter. Most of the people affected are still unable to support themselves with food; they were depending on relief items from well-wishers and relief agencies,” he said.

GVH Sekeni appealed to well-wishers to help with shelter and building materials to construct proper houses that can withstand such disasters.

Nchalo Police officer-in-charge Eluby Simfukwe said so far no injuries have been reported and no aid has been provided to the victims. She said apart from GVH Sekeni, village heads Pangilesi and Chipanguza were also hit.