Africa-Press – Eswatini. A fierce windstorm that swept through Eswatini overnight has plunged several communities into darkness, with the Eswatini Electricity Company (EEC) confirming widespread power outages in key areas including Siphocosini, Nkoyoyo, Ngwenya, and Nhlangano. The storm, which struck with powerful gusts late on Monday and into the early hours of this yesterday, has left power infrastructure battered and roads obstructed, making restoration efforts both urgent and difficult.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, EEC acknowledged the severity of the disruption, assuring the public that technicians and response teams have been dispatched and are working tirelessly to repair damage and restore supply. “Our teams are working around the clock to restore supply,” the statement read. “However, some areas may experience delays due to difficult access conditions.”
Fallen trees, broken poles, and downed power lines have been reported across several affected regions, compounding the logistical challenges for EEC crews. The company has temporarily suspended all routine load management procedures in order to focus entirely on emergency restoration work. In the wake of the storm, EEC has urged all residents to exercise extreme caution around damaged infrastructure. “For your safety, treat all fallen power lines as live and report immediately to EEC or national emergency numbers,” the company warned.
Residents have been advised to use the EEC self-service platform by dialling *8888# to report outages.
With communities across Eswatini deal with the aftermath, the storm’s fury has not been limited by borders. Similar gusts tore through parts of South Africa’s Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal provinces overnight, where local power utilities and emergency services have also reported damage to infrastructure, snapped trees, and disrupted transport routes. In Mozambique, winds of unusual strength were recorded in the southern districts, with reports of roofs blown off in rural settlements and power supply interruptions affecting several coastal areas.
The fierce winds damaged some rooftops.
While windstorms are not unheard of during this season, meteorologists noted the intensity of last night’s gusts as “exceptional,” with unconfirmed estimates placing wind speeds well above seasonal norms.
According to Nontobeko Dlamini, Communication Officer for the Baphalali Eswatini Red Cross Society, more than ten homes have been completely destroyed by the intense winds that lashed the area on Sunday evening and continued into Monday morning.
The Red Cross Society is currently conducting assessments to gather data on the impact of the storm, particularly concerning public institutions such as schools that have suffered considerable damage. Reports indicate that numerous school roofs have been blown away, leaving students and staff in precarious conditions.
In addition to the structural damage to homes and schools, the storm has also resulted in widespread power outages. Khaya Mavuso, Communication Officer for the Eswatini Electricity Company, confirmed that electricity supply was cut off in five areas of Nhlangano, prompting concerns for residents who rely on consistently available power, especially in the aftermath of the storm.
The heavy winds also resulted in fallen trees throughout the region, obstructing roads and complicating recovery efforts. Local authorities and emergency services are working diligently to clear debris and restore normalcy for affected residents.
Broken poles and downed power lines have been reported across several affected regions.
Affected individuals have been urged to report damage and seek assistance from the Red Cross Society, which is mobilizing resources to help those in need. Community leaders and volunteers are also rallying together to support the recovery efforts, emphasizing the importance of unity in facing such natural disasters.
As the members of the public assesses the extent of the damage, many residents are left grappling with the emotional toll of losing their homes and possessions. The Red Cross Society is committed to providing aid and resources to those impacted and will continue to update the public as more information becomes available.
For ongoing updates, residents are encouraged to follow local news outlets and the official channels of the Baphalali Eswatini Red Cross Society.
It should be noted that in times of crisis, the resilience and solidarity of the Eswatini community will undoubtedly play a crucial role in overcoming the challenges presented by this devastating storm.
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