Numerous families were left homeless and without shelter, after many villages in the Makhado municipal area were hit by floods that swept several bridges away.

In the Nzhelele area, the bridge at Mphaila had collapsed. Pupils were not attending school, while workers and teachers failed to report for duty.

Ms Rosina Ramakhokha of Sendedza said that after the floods had hit her village, she and members of her family tried to remove their furniture. Due to the force of the water, her house was severely damaged. The unemployed mother of four is living in fear because the walls of her house can collapse at any moment.

The spokesperson of Makhado Municipality, Mr Louis Bobodi, said the municipality sympathised with the victims and would help those who were left homeless by providing food parcels and tents.

He said that many families were being accommodated at churches and schools. He appealed to people who were without accommodation to report it to their ward councillors.