By Staff ReporterSHURUGWI – A violent hailstorm accompanied by strong winds swept through Chiriya and Mutandavari villages in the Mfri area of Shurugwi South on April 20, blowing roofs off several homes and leaving a trail of destruction.The storm struck around 4pm, catching residents off guard. In Chiriya Village, the hardest hit was the home of Edson Mpofu, whose seven-roomed house had its entire roof blown off. The home of 90-year-old Dzoki Mutwayo, popularly known as Mbuya Magidha, was also badly damaged, as was a five-roomed house belonging to Mudavanhu Chimunhu. Another resident, Shylet Ducha, also lost her roof.At Penny Dendere’s home, hailstones left a deep crack on one of the walls. Farai Ngariyako lost one roofing sheet, while Simbarashe Matsanzikeni saw his toilet structure collapse during the storm.In Mutandavari Village, a five-roomed house belonging to the Maturure family lost its roof, while Egina Mutandavaro and Sekai Mutandavari each lost two roofing sheets. The Chibahure homestead also lost two sheets.Ward 5 councillor Jeniffer Shumba confirmed the incident, saying the community was shocked by the misfortune.“We were caught off guard. The storm came with such force that within minutes, roofs were flying off. As a community, we managed to pool resources to assist those affected,” said Shumba.She added that Edson Mpofu, who lost seven sheets, managed to buy replacements and also helped the 90-year-old Mbuya Magidha with sheets to restore her roof. Local residents also chipped in with labour to assist the affected families.However, said noted two of the affected houses currently remain deserted because their owners are either in the diaspora or in other towns.“Tow homesteads were not repaired, the occupants are away, so those houses are still in a bad state. We hope they will be able to return and make repairs soon,” she said.No injuries were reported. Affected families are now working to restore their homes with the help of neighbours and local volunteers.
