At least four people have been killed while 40 were seriously injured in a hailstorm that hit parts of Mpumalanga on Sunday. The Department of Basic Education spokesperson Elijah Mhlanga said the report on fatalities was presented during a Joint Operations Committee meeting at the Bushbuckridge Local Municipality yesterday.
SCHOOL INSTRUCTURES DAMAGED
Deputy Minister of Basic Education, Dr. Reginah Mhaule, who was also at the committee meeting, has expressed sadness over the deaths of the four people. He confirmed that the storm had damaged more than 30 schools. "Inclement weather has also threatened the National Senior Certificate Examinations administration and disrupted schooling as more than 10 high schools were severely damaged. "I would like to commend the swift action of the district officials, who averted a crisis on Monday by protecting the matric examinations, which went on as planned despite the damage. The classrooms of the lower grades which had not been affected were used in some schools but most of all, we appreciate the kind gesture of our churches who have offered their buildings to be used for exam purposes. We are truly grateful," Mhaule said.
HUNDRED LEFT HOMELESS
It's reported that over 600 houses have been damaged by the storm since Sunday, leaving hundreds displaced. Mhaule said the power supply had been cut and some roads were still not accessible in the area. "An assessment of the damage will be conducted, but it could be hampered by the persistent rain. Affected areas include Ximhungwe, Thulamahashe, Cottondale, Maripe, Shatale, and Maboke circuits," she said. The Deputy Minister has also urged community members to report any damage they come across to the local municipality. "Residents should avoid crossing rivers and keep a close eye on weather updates from the South African Weather Services. We will work with other government departments and local governments to continue to monitor the situation and support affected families. We convey our condolences to the families who lost their loved ones and those who have lost their belongings," Mhaule added.
