Relief efforts begin after devastating storm claims 5 lives

Relief efforts have begun after a devastating storm claimed the lives of five people and left dozens injured in Durban, as the city was pummelled by heavy rain, strong winds, and hail on Monday afternoon.

The KwaZulu-Natal provincial government has confirmed it is responding to multiple incidents caused by the severe weather in the eThekwini Municipality.

The South African Weather Services had issued a Level 4 alert on Monday, predicting disruptive rains along the coast of the province with a high probability of flooding. The forecast proved accurate, leading to significant damage and loss of life.

According to early reports, several areas within the eThekwini Metro have been severely impacted. Roads have been flooded, trees have fallen, and infrastructure, including power lines, has been extensively damage. Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) spokesperson Sinoniso Mngadi provided further details on the worst-hit areas.

“The uThongathi area in the north of Durban recorded the most incidents, with several homes severely damaged, roofs blown off, and trees falling on electricity lines causing power outages,” Mr Mngadi said. “Other areas around Durban, including Umgababa, Durban Central, and the western parts of the city, also experienced heavy rainfall, leading to flooding of some households and roads.”

He also reported that strong winds had affected communities in the Amajuba and Umzinyathi Districts, where houses were damaged in Newcastle, Dannhauser, Nquthu, and surrounding areas.

Disaster response teams are currently assessing the extent of the damages while providing immediate relief to those affected.

“The provincial government, through the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, has co-ordinated the disaster team from affected municipalities to provide temporary shelter to those who may need it,” Mr Mngadi explained.

Public facilities have been opened as safe havens for the displaced residents.

Efforts are under way to clear roads using heavy machinery to ensure that rescue workers can reach the injured and provide necessary aid.

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube is set to lead a government delegation to the oThongathi area for an on-the-ground assessment and to oversee the provision of disaster relief. The situation remains critical as authorities work tirelessly to mitigate the impact of the storm and assist the affected communities.

Gift of the Givers responded promptly last night by sending out aid trucks with mattresses, blankets and food supplies, while religious organisations and schools that were unaffected opened their doors to the public for hot meals, blankets and shelter.

Organisations from several other areas are organising drop-off and collections points.