By Neo Kolane
Lesotho is expected to experience heavy rainsin February and March this year, according to the Lesotho Meteorological Services.
This follows heavy rains and storms that pounded most parts of the country during the last week of December, 2023 causing severe damage to 190 households.
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) says the impacts of these two weather conditions were mostly felt by communities in Maseru and Quthing districts.
Lower impact was reported in Berea, Mokhotlong and Thaba Tseka districts, theorganisation said in a recent statement.
IFRC noted that the storms severely damaged businesses and transport networks, thereby hindering full access to essential services such as markets, health centres and churches.
“The affected families were displaced as their houses were blown away by storms and food stocks were destroyed by rains. Some small businesses were also destroyed in the districts.
“Additionally, Leribe district (Matukengvillage) experienced flash floods which led to destruction of public roads and bridges. In some areas, houses were trapped in water for more than two days and this did not only impact infrastructure, but also restricted accessto essential services,” the statement indicated.
