BY MBONGENI NDLELA
MBABANE – A violent hailstorm that tore across parts of Eswatini on Tuesday has left dozens of families homeless, damaged schools and businesses, and destroyed crops, triggering an urgent national emergency response led by the National Disaster Risk Management Authority.
The destructive storm, which swept through sections of the Shiselweni, Manzini and Hhohho regions on 5 May 2026, affected at least 57 households and disrupted the lives of an estimated 285 emaSwati.
Although no fatalities or injuries have been reported, communities woke up to scenes of devastation as roofs were ripped apart, windows shattered and homes left exposed following hours of intense hail and powerful winds.
Preliminary rapid assessments conducted by disaster management teams revealed widespread destruction to residential properties, with many families now requiring urgent shelter assistance.
The storm also dealt a heavy blow to the education sector after three schools sustained extensive damage. Classrooms, teachers’ houses, sanitation facilities, water systems and administrative structures were all affected, raising concerns over learning disruptions for pupils in the impacted areas.
Beyond homes and schools, the hailstorm struck at the heart of household livelihoods. More than 12 hectares of crops, including beans and vegetables, were destroyed, threatening food security and income for affected families.
Small businesses and informal traders were equally hit hard as shops and market structures lost roofing and suffered structural damage. Electricity outages in several areas further worsened conditions for communities already grappling with losses.
In response, the National Disaster Risk Management Authority, working closely with the Baphalali Eswatini Red Cross Society, immediately launched emergency relief operations.
So far, 13 tarpaulins have been distributed to assist displaced families with temporary shelter, while four households have already received emergency food support.
Authorities said assessments are continuing to determine the full scale of the destruction and identify additional urgent needs.
Speaking on the disaster, the Authority warned that the incident reflects the growing threat posed by increasingly unpredictable and severe weather conditions affecting the country.
“While we are grateful that no lives were lost, the damage to homes, schools and livelihoods is significant. Our priority is to ensure that affected families receive immediate support while we work with partners to coordinate recovery efforts,” said Communications Manager Magman Mahlalela.
The Authority has urged communities to remain vigilant and report additional damages as response teams continue with assessments on the ground.
It also called on local leaders, communities and development partners to strengthen collaboration in disaster preparedness and response as extreme weather events continue to intensify.
The National Disaster Risk Management Authority said updates will continue to be provided as more information becomes available.
