The KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) Mrs Nomusa Dube-Ncube, has dispatched disaster relief teams to KwaMnyathi, ward 5, in the Abaqulusi Local Municipality, Kokstad and some parts of uGu District after runaway veld fires, propelled by gale force winds, left a trail of destruction resulting in the loss of lives and the destruction of property.
AbaQulusi and Kokstad municipalities are reported to be the worst affected. Provincial disaster teams worked tirelessly at the weekend to save scores of people and thousands of animals who were caught up in the recent fire disasters.
According to MEC Dube-Ncube the cause of this tragic wild fire is unclear at this point and disaster management teams are on the ground working hard to contain the fires.
However, Dube-Ncube warned that the province is still experiencing high levels of humidity and strong winds and remains on the high risk of exposure to veld fires.
Dube-Ncube further calls on members of the community within the province to remain on full alert as the fire index remains on an extremely dangerous zone.
“The families that have been affected by the fires are currently receiving assistance and disaster relief kits have been dispatched to the families. Households have also been evacuated in areas where there is a possibility that the fire could cause further damage.
The priority at this stage is to contain the fire and where possible rescue people. Once we move to a “green zone” in terms of the fire index, we will then embark on a programme to take stock of the damage.
The department will confirm its preliminary findings on the impact of the fire disasters once it has completed all legal verification mechanism.
We appeal to all sectors of society to lend a helping hand in assisting of families that have been affected by the fires. We are engaging with all other sector departments such as Home Affairs, Human Settlements in regards to assisting with families that have lost their ID’s and birth certificates,” said Dube-Ncube.
More information contact:
Lennox Mabaso
Cell: 082 884 2403
