A heavy windstorm that swept through the Ovitoto communal area on Saturday damaged 12 houses in the surrounding areas of Ovanduuongue, Okaokonguinja, Oruuua and Otjiserangu.

No casualties or injuries were reported.

The incident occurred during the afternoon, leaving a trail of destruction and significant losses for affected households.

Residents lost valuable possessions, while homes sustained damage to roofs, solar panels, furniture, food, clothes, beds and blankets.

The storm also damaged a power line in Oruuua and uprooted several trees.

Affected residents are appealing for assistance to help rebuild their homes.

A resident of Ovanduuongue, Maria Karamata, said she witnessed parts of her house being damaged by the strong winds, including one of her solar panels, which provides electricity to her household.

“First, the sink we used to wash the dishes and cutlery broke. A few seconds later, a tree fell, followed by a piece of corrugated iron from the roof, together with a DStv dish, which fell close to where I was standing. Luckily, it did not hit me. The house adjacent to my son's house was also damaged. There was heavy rain and hail everywhere. My son’s corrugated-iron house was damaged, including the table inside. One of the two big solar panels was also damaged at my house.”

Another affected resident, Jerry Kahiriri, was out of town when the storm struck. He only learned about the damage after receiving a message from a neighbour on his way back.

Kahiriri said he was shocked by the extent of the damage to his property.

His entire garage was blown away, leaving only the poles standing, while the roofs of his storeroom, kitchen, sitting room and bedroom were also damaged.

Several household belongings were also affected.

Joseph Mwanjangapo, Control Administrative Officer in the Omatako Constituency, explained that officials have visited the affected areas and reported the incident to the regional office.

"There is also one house at Oruuua where the storm damaged an electrical cable. During our visit, the cable was still lying on the ground, and we are concerned that children could come across it. We have advised the affected household members to keep children away from the area. Our office has compiled the report and submitted it to the Regional Council. We are now waiting for a response, with the possibility that the report could be forwarded to the Office of the Prime Minister for emergency assistance."

The incident is the first of its kind recorded in the area in recent years and has left the affected community shaken and in need of assistance.