In a tragic development, a ravaging hailstorm claimed the lives of 5 people in KwaZulu-Natal over the weekend.
The disaster left over a hundred people homeless as their dwellings crumbled under the relentless onslaught of heavy rainfall and powerful winds.
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Ravaging KwaZulu Natal Hailstorm Claim 5 Lives
According to Zimoja, a hailstorm unleashed its fury upon the province, claiming the lives of five people, including a one-year-old child.
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The provincial department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs confirmed the tragic loss of the five lives and the displacement of over a hundred houses in the Mtubatuba area.
According to spokesperson Siboniso Mngadi, the storm ripped roofs off houses and wreaked havoc on infrastructure, including power cables, roads, bridges, and vehicles.
Mngadi further reported the harrowing scene in Somkhele and KwaMyeki, where more than 70 houses succumbed to the hailstorm’s fury, leaving countless residents without shelter.
“Some houses suffered complete damage, leaving families homeless. Community halls and churches have opened their doors to the public, while others have sought alternative accommodation with relatives,” he said.
In the wake of the destruction, community halls and churches opened their doors to provide refuge, while others sought solace with relatives.
Province Mobilizes Aid Amidst Widespread Destruction in KwaZulu-Natal
Though there were no reported fatalities or injuries in some affected regions, including the Harry Gwala District, Greater Kokstad Municipality, and Umzimkhulu Municipality, the toll on property and infrastructure has been considerable.
The hailstorm’s destructive path also extended to the Umgungundlovu District, where 23 households in the Rosetta Informal settlement faced adversity.
At the time of reporting, the Provincial Disaster Management teams were already on the ground actively helping out the affected communities, especially in Mtubatuba which was badly affected by the hailstorm.
