The KwaZulu-Natal 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.
Our initial report from Mtubatuba reveals that at least four individuals lost their lives due to a thunderstorm accompanied by strong winds. The storm tore roofs off houses and caused damage to infrastructure, including power cables, roads, bridges, and vehicles.
Up to now, more than 70 houses in Somkhele and KwaMyeki areas 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.
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 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.
In Ulundi, under Zululand District Municipality, a block of rental rooms was blown away by strong winds last night, with no reported injuries.
Bongiwe Sithole-Moloi, KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, conveyed her sincere condolences to the families and friends during this challenging period. MEC Sithole-Moloi emphasized that 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. We extend condolences to those who lost loved ones during this period. While we acknowledge that certain incidents are unavoidable, such as the thunderstorm with strong winds that devastated houses in Mtubatuba, we encourage communities to take safety precautions, such as relocating to safer areas where possible,” she stated. 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.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Siboniso Mngadi, Media Liaison Officer
Cell: 078 1063 911
Nonala Ndlovu, Head of Communications
Cell: 066 2826 903
