Hundreds of households in Okwalongwen sub-county, Dokolo district, are counting heavy losses after a devastating hailstorm struck seven villages on Sunday night, destroying gardens and raising fears of famine.
The affected villages, all located in Akwanga parish, include Ajonyabwote, Adagdede, Akurukwee, and Aweowia, among others. Residents say the storm, which was characterized by violent winds and heavy hailstones, flattened gardens of cassava, maize, beans, and other staple crops.
Samuel Ocen, the area councilor for Akwanga Parish and speaker of Okwalongwen sub-county, confirmed the destruction.
He said the hailstorm damaged both mature crops and newly planted fields for the second season, putting food security in jeopardy.
“The hailstorm has created clear signs of famine. Most families here depend entirely on their gardens, and this disaster has left them in shock,” said Ocen.
Ocen added that he had reported the matter to sub-county authorities for further action.
Peter Okuta, the LC3 chairperson of Okwalongwen sub-county, also confirmed the incident.
Okuta told tndNews he had already made a verbal report to the district leadership and that the Sub-county Disaster Committee (SDC) would meet on Monday (August 18) to establish the exact number of affected households and gardens.
Okuta, who also chairs the sub-county disaster response team, appealed for urgent support from government agencies and humanitarian organizations to assist families that have been hit hardest.
“Our people are in a desperate situation. We need relief aid to help them recover as we compile a detailed report for higher authorities,” Okuta said.
The hailstorm comes at a time when many families in Dokolo rely heavily on the second planting season, heightening fears of food shortages in the months ahead.
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