NDMA Clarifies Storm Damage Assessments as Households Begin Recovery Efforts

By Siphesihle Dlamini

The National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) says the country has come through an exceptionally difficult week as families count the cost of severe storms that left homes damaged and livelihoods disrupted.

While many should be preparing for a joyful Christmas, the agency noted that a number of households are instead dealing with the distress of rebuilding their lives.

In a statement issued recently, NDMA extended its thoughts to all affected families and clarified the purpose of the ongoing assessments in storm-hit communities.

According to the agency, these assessments are carried out to help government understand the scale of the damage, determine levels of need across various communities, and identify the most vulnerable households requiring urgent intervention.

NDMA emphasised that being assessed does not automatically guarantee assistance for every homestead. Instead, the findings guide a fair and evidence-based prioritisation process, particularly at a time when resources are stretched.

The agency encouraged families who are able to begin their own recovery efforts to do so, explaining that this helps ensure that limited support reaches those who cannot recover on their own.

“Every step taken by households with the means to rebuild allows assistance to be directed to those who truly have nothing left,” the statement noted.

NDMA said it is this spirit of shared responsibility and community support that will ensure the most vulnerable are not left behind as the country works toward recovery and preparedness under the banner of Nkwe to Disaster Preparednes