ONE person died after being struck by lightning and property worth thousands of dollars was destroyed when heavy rains accompanied by strong winds hit Masvingo province.

In an interview, provincial Civil Protection (CP) chairman Mr Fungai Mbetsa said the heavy rains were recorded between Monday and Thursday.

A family in Rujeko was left homeless when the hailstorm destroyed its house.

“I can confirm that we have been experiencing flash floods in Chivi, Gutu, Zaka, Chiredzi and the worst affected was Bikita.

District teams are on the crowd compiling statistics,” said Mr Mbetsa.

He said girl from Chief Budzi in Bikita was struck and killed by lightning.

Mr Mbetsa who is also the provincial development coordinator urged families whose homes are on low ground to move to high ground.

“People should be wary of heavy rains and lightning that we are experiencing since the onset of the rains.

School children should dismiss early when there are signs that it might rain ” he said.

Masvingo police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Kudakwashe Dehwa confirmed that a Rujeko family is now homesless after their house was destroyed by a hailstorm. He said the roof of Rujeko Clinic was also blown away off.State media