A heavy storm struck Dete on Sunday destroying a Roman Catholic Church convent, two schools and several houses.
The affected schools are St Francis Xavier Primary School, Detema Secondary School, and Daughters of Calvary Convent.
Scores of residents of Mtuya and Soweto areas within Dete lost household property after the storm damaged roofs leaving property immersed in water.
Some sought refuge at neighbours’ houses while others endured the harsh weather in roofless houses after the storm destroyed their properties.
No injuries or fatalities were reported.
Said a resident: “My property was destroyed after the rains accompanied by strong winds damaged the roof as we were inside with my family. Fortunately, noone was injured but we don’t know how to raise money to repair the damaged roof and replace my property.”
The storm also affected the business community, the railway station and workers’ compound, and felling power lines and trees.
“I think there will be a need for financial help to replace damaged property especially the roof of the buildings before schools open,” said Fr Simwinde.
Dete Councillor Stanley Torima said urgent intervention is needed.
“We are not sure of the cost of damage yet but the destruction is massive. Roofs were blown off and stationary damaged and there is a need for urgent help,” he said.
This was the first time it rained in Dete this season.
