21 Nov 2019

 A fierce hailstorm, that hit Mogorosi on November 19  afternoon left a Form Two pupil dead and some families in need of aid.

The incident caused destruction to residences, government and private institutions.

Streets were littered with rooted out trees and iron sheet.

Though the showers were not that heavy, the strong winds and hail left a trail of destruction.

Several houses were left without roofs, some flooded including the yards while water on the roads and fallen trees made it difficult for cars to maneuver.

When BOPA arrived at one of the victims Ms Ponatshego Galefele’s homestead, she was clearly shaken her and all she could do was stare at her belongings, soaked in water.

The sight of wet blankets, clothes, school books left to dry on top of tables and the fence proved just how destructive nature can be.

She was trying to figure out where she would get money to fix her house.

At Mogorosi Primary School, pupils’ toilets were left roofless while at the junior secondary teachers’ quarters, one house was left roofless and furniture in another, drenched in water.

Botswana Power Cooperation lines were also not spared and two general dealers had their roofs blown off.

One of the store owners estimated the loss to be around P16 000 in stock and other goods.

Serowe Administrative Authority (SAA) deputy district officer, Mr Colleen Tubego told BOPA that they received a report about the incident Tuesday at around 5pm and were informed that a Form Two learner at Mogorosi JSS was struck by lightning on his way home while in the company of his friends.

Mr Tubego stated that they were still assessing the situation at the deceased’s home to see out how they could be assisted.

Disaster Management Committee chairperson, Mr Tubego said they were awaiting the assessment team to finish their assignment to start assisting those in need of help.

He indicated that they usually assisted disaster victims with tents and food and appealed to Batswana to use strong materials when building houses and also advised the business community to insure their property

Mr Tubego urged stakeholders, relatives and neighbours to assist those who lost their belongings.

Area councilor, Mr Edward Gaefele  thanked DC’s office, police and BPC officers for their quick response.

Meanwhile, some areas in Serowe are reported to have suffered the same fate. Ends