Five people including a one-year-old child have been confirmed dead while hundreds were left homeless in KwaZulu-Natal when their houses were destroyed by heavy rainfall and strong winds over the weekend. Provincial Disaster Management teams are presently assisting those affected by heavy rainfall and strong winds that caused widespread destruction, particularly in Mtubatuba in the northern part of province.
HOMES, ROADS, CARS AND POWER CABLES DESTROYED
The provincial department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs confirmed the deaths of the five people from Mtubatuba area which was badly affected by the heavy rains. Spokesperson Siboniso Mngadi said that the storm tore roofs off houses and caused damage to infrastructure, including power cables, roads, bridges, and vehicles. Mngadi further said that more than 70 houses in Somkhele and KwaMyeki areas were destroyed by the hailstorm leaving hundreds displaced. "Some houses suffered complete damage, leaving families homeless. Community halls and churches have opened their doors to the public, while others have sought alternative accommodation with relatives," he said, adding that there are also reports of damaged vehicles, and in certain areas, electricity poles and cables are scattered across roads and in people's properties.
"In the Harry Gwala District, the Greater Kokstad Municipality experienced heavy rains and a hailstorm in Pakkies location and approximately six households were affected, with no reported fatalities, injuries, or displaced individuals at this point. 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 while in Ulundi, under Zululand District Municipality, a block of rental rooms was blown away by strong winds last night, with no reported injuries." Mngadi added.
CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILIES
MEC Bongiwe Sithole-Moloi conveyed her condolences to the families of the deceased. Sithole-Moloi said disaster management teams will continue on-site assessments and provide relief, including mattresses, blankets, food, and plastic sheeting. "We are collaborating with other government departments, such as social development and human settlement, to aid all victims. Our teams, in conjunction with municipalities, will persist in assessments to determine necessary government intervention," she said. She also said that while the government acknowledge that certain incidents such as the thunderstorm are unavoidable, they encourage communities to take safety precautions, such as relocating to safer areas where possible. "As heavy rains persist across various parts of the province, our disaster management teams remain on high alert. Ongoing assessments will lead to an updated report once we consolidate preliminary findings,".
MEC TO VISIT GRIEVING FAMILIES
Sithole-Moloi will visit the affected families to convey her condolences this morning in Mtubtuba. Mngadi said that the MEC will further conduct an assessment of the extensive damages in the area, where several homes were destroyed by the thunderstorm. "As the rains caused damage in various areas in the province, including Eskom power lines, schools, and roads infrastructure, MEC Sithole-Moloi will also provide an update based on the assessment conducted by the Provincial Disaster Management Team," he added.
