Communities in the Kunene Region are reeling from a violent storm that unleashed hail and floods, resulting in the loss of livestock and destruction of homes. 

Residents said the disaster is unlike anything they have ever experienced.

Residents of Okahungu and Otjokavare experienced storms of hailstones, heavy wind, and rainfall that left them devastated and turned deadly within minutes.

"This rain started with normal drops, so we thought it was just ordinary rain. Then it started to hail, and everything was covered," explained Tuerijarura Kapazu.

Kapazu said eight of her goats died, while nearly nineteen were washed away, wiping out a livelihood built over years.

"The loss that I encountered is these goats, some carcasses are in the bushes; I left them there to rot. I lost 57 goats," added Jamuna Ruhozu.

Ruhozu emphasised that his entire family depends on livestock that are now gone in a single storm.

In Otjokavare, strong winds and heavy rains tore through homes, ripping off roofs and collapsing structures built from traditional materials.

"The rain lasted for one hour. I was standing like this with my kids; there was no escape," stressed Merijam Vejorerako.

Vejorerako's house was flooded with water, property was damaged, and children were crying for help as the rain poured heavily inside a house with no roof.

A community leader from Otjokavare Outvetoovyao Tjavira said the destruction is widespread.

"Around 80 houses were damaged in this village." 

Traditional authorities are pleading for immediate relief assistance for the families that are facing destroyed houses and loss of their livestock.

"My community needs help; anyone who suffered damage needs assistance from the government because their livelihoods were swept away," noted Councillor of Vita Tom Royal Home, Outinaani Tjipepa.

"I have seen in other parts of Namibia, in the north, people receive help during floods through helicopters and assistance. I am asking that this information reach authorities so they can help these people rebuild. There is even an old pensioner without a house, sleeping in a tent," added Senior Councillor of the Vita Tom Royal Home, Outkaipandjarere Muzuma.

As families pick through the wreckage of their homes and count their losses, hope now rests on how quickly help will arrive.