Last week, the Lubombo and Hhohho regions in Eswatini were struck by yet another devastating hailstorm, leaving widespread destruction and deepening the vulnerability of already struggling communities. In a matter of minutes, more than 289 homes were damaged or destroyed. Roofs were torn apart by heavy winds and ice, windows shattered, and personal belongings ruined. Schools were affected, blankets were soaked, and families were forced to endure a cold and uncertain night without proper shelter.
For many families, this was not just another storm it was a traumatic experience that disrupted their lives and threatened their safety. Some were forced to seek refuge with neighbors, while others had no option but to sleep in partially damaged homes, exposed to the elements. The emotional and physical toll of such disasters cannot be overstated, especially for children, the elderly, and those already living in poverty.
Tragically, events like these also carry the risk of loss of life. During severe weather incidents, people can be injured or killed by collapsing structures, flying debris, or exposure to harsh conditions. Each storm brings not only destruction of property but also the real and painful possibility of losing loved ones.
This hailstorm is part of a growing pattern of extreme weather events that are becoming more frequent and more intense. What was once considered rare is now happening repeatedly, with little time for communities to recover in between. Scientists and environmental experts have consistently warned that climate change is driving these shifts, causing unpredictable and destructive weather patterns across the globe. For countries like Eswatini, the impacts are particularly severe because many communities lack the resources needed to prepare for and respond to such disasters.
The effects of these storms go far beyond immediate physical damage. Families are left without shelter, children are displaced from their homes and sometimes their schools, and communities are thrown into crisis. For rural households, especially smallholder farmers, the impact is even more devastating. Crops can be destroyed within minutes, wiping out months of hard work and eliminating a critical source of food and income.
In a country where many people depend on agriculture for survival, the destruction of crops is not just an economic loss it is a direct threat to food security. Families who were already facing challenges due to droughts, heatwaves, and rising costs now find themselves with even fewer resources to sustain themselves. The cycle of vulnerability deepens, making it harder for communities to recover before the next disaster strikes.
This is why climate change must no longer be seen as just an environmental issue. It is a human crisis that affects people’s homes, health, safety, and dignity. It is increasing inequality and placing a disproportionate burden on those who contribute the least to global emissions but suffer the most from its consequences.
As communities begin to rebuild from this latest disaster, there is an urgent need for both immediate intervention and long-term planning. One of the most critical gaps that must be addressed is the lack of effective early warning systems. Communities need timely and accurate information about approaching storms so that they can prepare and protect themselves. Early warning messages can allow families to reinforce their homes, move to safer areas, secure their belongings, and take precautions that could save lives.
The government has a crucial role to play in ensuring that such early warning systems are accessible, reliable, and widely communicated, especially to rural and remote areas. Information should reach every household in a language and format that people understand, whether through radio, mobile alerts, or community networks. Without early warnings, communities are left vulnerable and unprepared, forced to react only after disaster has already struck.
The response to disasters must be swift, coordinated, and effective. The National Disaster Management Agency has a critical responsibility to respond quickly when disasters occur. Timely intervention can mean the difference between life and death. Families who lose their homes need immediate assistance, including temporary shelter, food, clean water, and medical support.
Delays in response can worsen the situation, leaving people exposed to further risks such as illness, hunger, and unsafe living conditions. Rapid response efforts must prioritize the most vulnerable, including women, children, the elderly, and people living with disabilities.
At the same time, there is a need to invest in long-term solutions that build resilience against future climate shocks. This includes constructing stronger, climate-resilient homes, improving infrastructure, and supporting sustainable agricultural practices that can withstand extreme weather conditions. Communities must also be empowered with knowledge and resources to adapt to changing environmental conditions.
Local organizations and community groups continue to play a vital role in supporting affected families and promoting resilience. However, they cannot do this work alone. Strong partnerships between government, civil society, and international organizations are essential to address the scale of the crisis.
The people of Eswatini have shown remarkable resilience in the face of repeated challenges. Time and again, communities come together to support one another, rebuild their homes, and restore their livelihoods. But resilience should not be mistaken for the ability to endure endless hardship. People deserve safety, stability, and the opportunity to live with dignity.
What is happening in Eswatini is a clear call to action. Climate change is no longer a distant threat it is a present reality that is already disrupting lives. The increasing frequency of hailstorms, droughts, and other extreme weather events is a warning that more must be done to protect vulnerable communities.
There is an urgent need for stronger policies, increased investment in climate adaptation, and a commitment to protecting those most at risk. Early warning systems must be strengthened. Disaster response must be faster and more effective. Infrastructure must be built to withstand extreme conditions. And communities must be supported to adapt and thrive in a changing climate.
The cost of inaction is simply too high. Every delayed response, every missed warning, and every unprotected household increases the risk of further loss of homes, livelihoods, and human lives.
Climate change is here. Its effects are real. And in Eswatini, its impact is being felt now more than ever.
