Key Takeaways
- Around 125 houses were damaged due to severe thunderstorms in KZN, with over 50 houses completely destroyed.
- The eMadlangeni, Dannhauser, and Newcastle Local Municipalities were the most affected areas.
- Disaster management teams are on the ground conducting assessments and providing relief to affected communities.
- The Provincial Disaster Management Centre (PDMC) has been directed to coordinate with social partners and local municipalities to provide immediate relief.
- The affected communities are receiving food parcels, blankets, and temporary shelter.
Introduction to the Storm
The KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) department has reported that severe thunderstorms caused significant damage to around 125 houses in the region on Friday. The storms, characterized by heavy rains, large hail, and gale-force winds, swept through the area, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. According to Senzelwe Mzila, the spokesperson for KZN COGTA, over 50 houses were completely destroyed, and several individuals were injured.
Affected Areas
The eMadlangeni, Dannhauser, and Newcastle Local Municipalities were the most affected areas, with reports of damage also emerging from parts of the Umzinyathi District. In eMadlangeni, preliminary reports confirm that over 20 houses were completely destroyed in Wards 2, 3, and 5, with three individuals sustaining injuries and receiving urgent medical care. In Newcastle, several areas were hit hard, and the Department has initiated the emergency relocation of displaced residents to the Osizweni Community Hall. In Dannhauser, approximately 115 households were affected, with 30 completely destroyed.
Disaster Management Response
Disaster management teams are on the ground conducting assessments and providing relief to affected communities. The teams are working closely with social partners to provide immediate relief, including food parcels, blankets, and temporary shelter. The Provincial Disaster Management Centre (PDMC) has been directed by MEC Buthelezi to coordinate with social partners and local municipalities to ensure that no family is left stranded. The teams are currently conducting mop-up operations and detailed assessments to determine the full extent of the damage.
Relief Efforts
The relief efforts are ongoing, with a focus on providing immediate assistance to those affected by the storms. The Department has initiated the emergency relocation of displaced residents to the Osizweni Community Hall, and food parcels, blankets, and temporary shelter are being provided to those in need. The PDMC is working closely with social partners and local municipalities to ensure that the relief efforts are coordinated and effective. The Department is also conducting detailed assessments to determine the full extent of the damage and to identify areas where additional support is needed.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the severe thunderstorms that hit KZN on Friday caused significant damage to around 125 houses, with over 50 houses completely destroyed. The eMadlangeni, Dannhauser, and Newcastle Local Municipalities were the most affected areas, and disaster management teams are on the ground conducting assessments and providing relief to affected communities. The Provincial Disaster Management Centre (PDMC) is coordinating with social partners and local municipalities to provide immediate relief, and the relief efforts are ongoing. The Department is committed to ensuring that no family is left stranded and that those affected by the storms receive the support they need.