Family left reeling after strong winds wreak havoc

A family of seven in Okaluwa village, Omuntele constituency in the Oshikoto region, are picking up the pieces after violent weather destroyed most of their homestead.

Namibian Sun visited the home of Matheus Mutaleni last week, also known as Tate Shipila, which was ravaged by the strong winds.

The incident, which occurred in the early hours of the morning last week, has left the family reeling.

Julia Malapi, Shipila’s wife, recounted the terrifying ordeal, saying the winds reached their peak intensity around 03:00.

"I was fast asleep when I heard the noises of corrugated iron sheets banging," Malapi recalled.

At first, she did not realise the severity of the situation. “I thought it was just a normal disturbance of corrugated iron sheets hitting against a pole.”

It was only at dawn, around 06:00, that the full extent of the damage became clear.

Stepping outside, Malapi found their yard transformed into a scene of chaos.

"When I woke up, I could not believe my eyes. The house was damaged. Some of the roof sheets were in the Mahangu field. One of the shacks in the house was completely rooted out, and the corrugated iron sheets flew into the field," she said.

The storm’s fury did not stop at the roof.

Strong gusts tore down large sections of the yard’s brick walls, leaving several brick structures exposed to the elements, their roofs completely stripped away.

Despite the extensive damage, Malapi is thankful that the family escaped physical harm.

Fortunately, the structures hit hardest were unoccupied, and none of the seven residents sustained injuries.

The destruction has placed a heavy burden on the household.

With their shelter severely damaged and the rainy season ongoing, the family is facing a daunting rebuilding process.

Malapi has issued an urgent appeal to "good Samaritans" and the wider community to assist the family to rebuild.

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