A family of 14 at Ccove Village in Kavango West's Ncamagoro Constituency was left destitute after their homestead was destroyed by a hailstorm.

At least four temporary structures used as sleeping quarters were destroyed.

Affected family member Aplonia Kangjimi says strong winds accompanied by light showers caught them by surprise just as they were to have their dinner last night.

Narrating their ordeal, an emotional Kandjimi says roofs and poles suddenly started falling on them, leaving the children running in different directions.

"We did not even start eating when things started falling on us, we moved to the other corner of the house to wait for the wind to stop. Others fled across the road in terror; when it finally came to a halt, we looked for others, then we all slept, huddled on one another in the other hurt, which remained standing."

No one sustained serious injuries except for minor cuts, including the children.

They say their foodstuffs, children's books, birth certificates, bedding, and clothes are among the many items destroyed.

Kangjima says it will be difficult to reconstruct their homestead as the family does not have anyone in their employ.

Village Development Committee Member Hilma Ashipala says the committee is liaising with the constituency office to see what urgent assistance it can provide, especially with rains still hovering over the sky.

"The family is already struggling to make ends meet; they survive by doing odd jobs in the community; it will be very difficult for them to rebuild their houses, especially since there is no man in the family, only women."

In the meantime, she is appealing to good Samaritans to come to the rescue of the family, especially with corrugated iron sheets, bedding, and food.