Some of the damage caused by the adverse weather conditions in KwaZulu-Natal. Images: KZN COGTA.
Storms leave four dead, 70 homes destroyed in KwaZulu-Natal
KwaZulu-Natal COGTA says four people have died as storms wreaked havoc in Mtubatuba and other parts of the province this weekend.
Some of the damage caused by the adverse weather conditions in KwaZulu-Natal. Images: KZN COGTA.
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) has confirmed that four people have died in Mtubatuba as heavy rainfall and thunderstorms wreaked havoc in northern parts of the province.
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) had issued an orange level 6 warning for disruptive rainfall and severe thunderstorms in KwaZulu-Natal on Saturday and Sunday.
SEVERE STORMS CLAIM FOUR LIVES IN KWAZULU-NATAL
KZN COGTA spokesperson Siboniso Mngadi said at least four individuals lost their lives due to a thunderstorm accompanied by strong winds in Mtubatuba.
Mngadi said the storm tore roofs off houses and caused damage to infrastructure, including power cables, roads, bridges, and vehicles.
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“Up to now, more than 70 houses in Somkhele and KwaMyeki areas in Mtubatuba have been identified as destroyed. Some houses suffered complete damage, rendering families homeless. Community halls and churches have opened their doors to the public, while others have sought alternative accommodation with relatives.
“There are also reports of damaged vehicles, and in certain areas, Eskom poles and cables are scattered across roads and people’s properties,” he said.
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ROOFS BLOWN OFF IN OTHER AREAS
Furthermore, Mngadi said in the Harry Gwala District, the Greater Kokstad Municipality experienced heavy rains and a hailstorm in Pakkies Location. Approximately six households were affected, with no reported fatalities, injuries, or displaced individuals.
“In Umzimkhulu Municipality, heavy rains in Madakeni location affected four households, with no fatalities reported at this stage. In the Umgungundlovu District, about 23 households in the Rosetta Informal settlement under Mpofana Local Municipality were affected by the hailstorm last night.
“In Ulundi, under Zululand District Municipality, a block of rental rooms was blown away by strong winds last night, with no reported injuries,” he added.
KwaZulu-Natal COGTA MEC Bongiwe Sithole-Moloi has since conveyed her sincere condolences to the families and friends during this challenging period emphasising that disaster management teams will continue on-site assessments and provide relief, including mattresses, blankets, food, and plastic sheeting.
