An elderly resident of Iseke village in the Zambezi Region's Katima Rural Constituency was left destitute in the early hours of Monday when her courtyard and house were struck by lightning.

Lightning struck the home after midnight, while 85-year-old Kahundu Kahale and her grandchild were sleeping inside.

Speaking to NBC News about her ordeal, Kahale said the resulting fire gutted the house before escalating to the whole courtyard, destroying everything.

"The government should help me; there is no way I will get back all the belongings I bought. I can't get them, no way. I do not have a house to sleep in now. I will not be able to squeeze myself into my daughter's house because it is too small. I am only looking at the government for assistance."

She has now been left with no clothes, blankets, documents or sentimental items.

Kahale has appealed to the government for assistance, noting that she will not be able to rebuild all her savings at her age.