NTHABALALA - Several villages around Nthabalala area were recently struck by a heavy storm that damaged more than 40 houses.

The day after the storm, many villagers were still drying out mattresses, clothes and furniture. Some of their property was unusable. Mr Daniel Bembele’s seven-roomed house was severally damaged as the wind swept through the village, leaving everyone trying to take cover. Soon, big raindrops belted down. This was followed by loud cracks of thunder and flashes of lightning, which lit the darkened sky.

Mr Bembele said he saw the walls started to shake and the roof rattled and the roof sheets were blown off. According to estimations, the damage to his house is about R80 000.

The storm affected many families in other villages. This was evident at Manyima, Mphuphuledzhi, Maduwa, Mulima, Masethe and Nthabalala. According to Bembele, the storm started at about 16:30.

The spokesperson of Makhado Municipality and the director of corporate services, Mr Ntsieni Magwala, said the municipality sympathised with the victims and helped with the rescue effort by issuing tents, food parcels and blankets to those who were left homeless.