Two families in Ha Rapholo have been left devastated after a night of heavy rains and lightning destroyed their homes last Thursday. One house was completely burnt to ashes by lightning, while the other, made of mud bricks, collapsed under the force of the downpour.
Speaking to the Agency, Mr. Paseka Leba, one of the affected residents, recounted the harrowing experience. He said he initially heard noise outside during the storm but had no idea that his own house was on fire.
“I thought it was just the wind or something hitting the roof,” Mr. Leba said. “When I stepped outside, I saw people running toward my house. That’s when I realized it was burning.”
The fire, believed to have been caused by a lightning strike, engulfed the entire structure. Mr. Leba said his family lost everything in the blaze.
“There was nothing to be recognised the next day,” he said. “Clothes, mattress, bathing basins, as well as some of our grains — all burnt to ashes.”
In the neighbouring homestead, a second family’s mud-brick house collapsed due to the intensity of the rainfall. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, but the loss of shelter and belongings has left both families in urgent need of assistance.
Community members have since rallied around the victims, offering temporary shelter and basic necessities. However, the families face a long road to recovery, especially with winter approaching.
Local authorities are expected to assess the damage and explore ways to support the affected families.
