KwaZulu-Natal storms claim eight lives, over 42 schools damaged
A one-year-old baby is among the five that died in Mtubatuba after storms caused significant damage in parts of KwaZulu-Natal.
Two additional casualties have succumbed to lightning during severe storms in KwaZulu-Natal, bringing the death toll to eight.
Thunder and windstorms caused significant damage in parts of KwaZulu-Natal, especially in Mtubatuba, where most casualties were reported.
KWAZULU-NATAL STORMS DEATH TOLL INCREASES
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) said the most recent fatalities were reported in Inkosi Langalibalele Local Municipality within the Uthukela District and Nquthu Local Municipality in the Umzinyathi District.
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The department’s spokesperson, Siboniso Mngadi, said the latest report indicates that nearly 1000 households have been assessed, with houses damaged, affecting over 4000 people.
Mngadi said in the health sector, seven health facilities, including two hospitals in eThekwini and Ladysmith, were also impacted. At the same time, the number of affected schools currently stands at 42, with the majority, 34, located in the Umkhanyakude District.
“In Agriculture, three farming projects, including two broilers and a piggery house, were damaged in Mtubatuba. Additionally, 350 hectares of crops have been affected in the Mtubatuba area,” he explained.
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KZN COGTA MEC Bongiwe Sithole-Moloi expressed her heartfelt condolences to the families who lost their loved ones and reaffirmed that officials will support them during this challenging period.
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Moloi said their teams are concluding their assessments on the ground; however, due to the severity of the damages, they have appealed to all municipalities and Ward Councillors to ensure that every victim is profiled.
“This will enable us to quantify the damages and determine the required financial assistance from the government. The Premier also leads in organising interventions for families who have lost loved ones, including burial arrangements. We are also focused on assisting victims who have suffered property damages and restoring public infrastructure such as schools and health facilities,” she said.