- NDMA, Red Cross, has already distributed 43 tarpaulins and 12 food parcels to households facing the greatest need.
BY MBONGENI NDLELA
MBABANE – Swift and coordinated action is underway across Eswatini after a powerful hailstorm affected 2 280 citizens and left 380 households facing varying levels of damage on 2 Decemaber 2025.
Although the storm struck with force, damaging homes, schools, health facilities, and essential infrastructure, the national response has been immediate and focused on restoring safety, dignity, and stability for all affected communities. Emergency teams from the NDMA and the Baphalali Eswatini Red Cross Society have moved quickly to assess needs, deliver relief supplies, and support families as recovery efforts gather momentum.
The nation has come together with remarkable unity following the severe hailstorm that struck parts of Eswatini, leaving hundreds of families and key public facilities affected. While the storm brought sudden destruction, it has also revealed the strength of Eswatini’s resilience, compassion, and rapid emergency response systems.
According to preliminary assessments by the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) and the Baphalali Eswatini Red Cross Society, over 380 households, home to more than 2 280 people, were impacted. Many families awoke to shattered roofs, flooded homes, and the loss of basic necessities. Despite the devastation, emergency teams were immediately deployed to support displaced and vulnerable community members.
Public infrastructure also suffered significant damage. Nine schools reported broken roofs and water-logged classrooms, temporarily disrupting learning. Two health facilities experienced structural damage and power disruptions, affecting service delivery. Several roads became impassable, and power interruptions affected thousands of homes as strong winds damaged electricity lines and transformers.
Yet, amid the challenges, the national response has been swift, coordinated, and anchored in solidarity.
The NDMA, working closely with the Red Cross, has already distributed 43 tarpaulins and 12 food parcels to households facing the greatest need. Technical teams are on the ground restoring critical services and conducting rapid assessments to ensure no family is left behind. The Eswatini Electricity Company has intensified repair work to restore power in the hardest-hit communities.
Community structures, including chiefdom buildings and local coordination hubs, have also received urgent attention to ensure smooth disaster response operations. Meanwhile, efforts to assess the agricultural sector—which suffered losses across an estimated 140 hectares of crops—are underway, with plans to support farmers whose livelihoods were impacted.
Despite the emotional and physical toll of the storm, Eswatini is responding with courage and unity. Neighbours, community leaders, emergency responders and volunteers are standing side by side, offering shelter, comfort, and hope as the rebuilding process begins.
The NDMA has encouraged the nation to continue extending support, compassion and prayers to affected families, while also urging the public to follow safety advisories to reduce further risk during severe weather conditions.
As assessments continue and relief efforts expand, one message has become clear: in moments of hardship, Eswatini stands strongest when united.
