A lightning strike killed at least 7 people in the in the area of Mthonjaneni in KwaNongoma, ward 3 today.
The deceased were participating in a traditional ceremony hosted by the Khoza family (one of the neighbours). Preliminary reports indicate that they were inside one of the houses when a bolt of lightning struck.
Paramedics from KZN Emergency Medical Services responded and four (4) people were rushed to hospital with serious injuries.
The KZN MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Nomusa Dube-Ncube has deployed disaster management personnel to respond to the incident and support the affected families.
MEC Dube-Ncube on behalf of the provincial government and Premier Senzo Mchunu has expressed deepest condolences to the families who lost their loved ones.
"Our hearts go out to the families of these victims and the entire communities which continue to suffer from the effects of natural disasters. Our dedicated staff has been dispatched to Nongoma and we are doing all we can to offer disaster relief," said KZN MEC for Cogta Nomusa Dube-Ncube.
“We are shocked as this incident comes hot on the heels of another lightning incident which left six people dead in the area of Colenso and Paulpietersburg. We were still licking our wounds from these incidents” said Dube-Ncube.
KZN Cogta's disaster management teams remain on high alert as storms continue to pound the province with increasing intensity, wreaking havoc in communities.
"We wish to assure the public that they are not facing these natural disasters without a helping hand from the provincial government. Our expert teams are working round the clock to assist the affected individuals and families," said Dube-Ncube.
A high powered government delegation will visit the families.
For more information contact:
KZN Cogta spokesperson Lennox Mabaso
Cell: 082 884 2403
Msawakhe Mayisela
Cell: 060 966 4220
