Storm in Tongaat, KwaZulu-Natal Leaves Trail of Destruction and Injuries

A severe storm hit Tongaat, KwaZulu-Natal on Monday afternoon, causing widespread destruction and leaving dozens of residents seeking shelter. The storm, which began around 4:38 pm, resulted in several homes collapsing, uprooted trees, and damaged vehicles.

Why this matters: The storm in Tongaat, KwaZulu-Natal highlights the vulnerability of communities to natural disasters and the need for effective disaster management systems. The consequences of such events can be devastating, resulting in loss of life, property damage, and displacement of people.

Reaction Unit South Africa (Rusa) received a high volume of calls for assistance, prompting the dispatch of all available reaction officers and paramedics to the affected areas. The storm caused significant damage in the Magwaveni and Sandfields areas, where several homes collapsed, leaving many residents, including minor children, without shelter.

Eyewitnesses captured the chaos on video, with one resident recording a woman calling for help as people were trapped beneath the collapsed structures. The storm also uprooted trees, blocking roads and causing major traffic jams, further complicating rescue efforts.

In a tragic incident, a 39-year-old woman lost her life when a wall collapsed on her at a residence on Rama Drive. Reaction officers cleared the debris and retrieved her body, but she had sustained life-threatening injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) reported that the storm was part of a severe weather system that had developed over the weekend. This system brought heavy rain, flooding, and snowfall to various parts of the country. At least seven fatalities were reported in the Eastern Cape as a result of heavy rain and flooding on Saturday night.

Gift of the Givers teams have been dispatched to Tongaat to assist with disaster relief efforts, including assessments and providing aid to those affected. The eThekwini Municipality's disaster management teams have also been responding to emergencies since 4:20 pm on Monday.

The storm follows devastating flooding in the Eastern Cape over the weekend, highlighting the severe weather conditions South Africa is currently experiencing. Residents in affected areas are advised to exercise caution and seek shelter as necessary.

As rescue and relief efforts continue, the community of Tongaat faces a challenging recovery process. The immediate priority remains the safety and well-being of those affected by the storm.

Key Takeaways

• Severe storm hits Tongaat, KwaZulu-Natal, causing widespread destruction.
• Dozens of residents left seeking shelter, with several homes collapsing.
• One woman killed, 39, when a wall collapsed on her at a residence.
• Gift of the Givers and eThekwini Municipality's disaster teams respond to emergencies.
• Residents advised to exercise caution and seek shelter as necessary.

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