Prime Minister Sam Matekane has urged Basotho to cooperate with disaster management authorities and heed safety warnings. This after heavy rains and strong hail swept across the country, leaving a trail of damage to roads, homes, fields and livelihoods.
In a national address yesterday, Matekane said he felt compelled to speak to the nation following the scale of destruction witnessed in recent days.
He noted that public infrastructure, particularly roads, had been severely affected, while power lines and water supply systems also suffered damage. Homes and businesses, including agricultural facilities that many families depend on, were not spared.
Some people were trapped by hail at mountain passes including Mahlasela, Thaba-Putsoa, Semonkong and Likalaneng.
The extreme cold that followed has also led to health problems for many, with reports of serious cold-related illnesses in highland areas, Matekane said.
He added that the Disaster Management Authority (DMA) has already been directed to carry out assessments and gather data on the full extent of the damage.
Once the picture is clear, government will determine how best to assist communities in need.
The premier called on citizens to work closely with the DMA in affected areas to prevent further harm and to respond effectively to emergencies.
He also urged them to respect DMA instructions regarding dangerous roads, allowing the authority to restrict travel or ensure safety where conditions remain risky.
Matekane called on local government councils, chiefs and ministries to share information from areas that DMA officials have not yet reached, so that shelter, farming support and other urgent needs can be directed where they are most required. He stressed that this would help protect communities from further disaster in the future.
He called on community leaders including chiefs, council members, teachers, journalists, civil society groups and village health workers to play an active role and stand up and pay attention to the disaster, help spread messages and warnings, report incidents promptly, and act together with unity where problems have occurred, while always following expert guidance.
He concluded by appealing to all Basotho to assist by reporting any damage or disruption in their areas to the Disaster Management Authority, so that ministries can coordinate an appropriate and timely relief response.
