Hailstorms destroy more than 70 homes in Kigoma
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Mwananchi
Hailstorms accompanied by strong winds damaged more than 70 homes and two churches in Kigoma Ujiji, Tanzania, on 29 and 30 October. Firefighters provided emergency assistance while damage assessment continued, according to acting regional fire commander Rusajo Mboli, quoted by Mwananchi.
More than 70 homes and two churches were damaged or destroyed by hailstorms accompanied by strong winds in the municipality of Kigoma-Ujiji, Tanzania. Two people were injured and are receiving treatment at Kigoma Maweni Regional Hospital, according to Rusajo Mboli, acting commander of the Kigoma Region Fire and Rescue Service, quoted by Mwananchi.
The severe weather hit several neighbourhoods on 29 and 30 October. The heaviest damage was recorded in Gezaulole, where 30 homes lost their roofs, as well as in Mwenye nyumba, Masanga and Kikunku, where 14, 14 and nine homes respectively were affected. Some residents had to leave their homes and stay with relatives, while emergency services provided urgent assistance and continued assessing the damage, according to Rusajo Mboli.
Affected families, particularly those with children, are asking the government and aid organisations to provide housing, food and other essential supplies. In Kikunku, resident Juma Mfaume said he had moved his mother into his home to keep her safe, Mwananchi reports.
The damage comes after El Niño destroyed 30 homes in Bunda on 23 October and assistance provided on 27 October by a Tanzanian MP to 12 affected households.
