Severe thunderstorms have caused extensive damage in KwaZulu-Natal, prompting disaster management teams to respond as the province prepares for more severe weather. | Theo Jeptha/ Independent Newspapers
Durban — Severe thunderstorms have caused widespread damage across KwaZulu-Natal as the province braces for more severe weather on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Inclement weather battered several parts of KZN over the long weekend. The storm left a trail of destruction to both private and public infrastructure and knocked out power lines in many municipalities.
KZN Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) spokesperson Senzelwe Mzila said disaster management teams are actively working to ensure the safety and well-being of affected residents.
Mzila said that in the uThukela District, particularly in the Alfred Duma Municipality, wards 1, 6, 9, 16, and 20 were severely impacted. In Ladysmith, the storm knocked down electricity poles, causing power outages. Both private and public infrastructure suffered significant damage, with homes and buildings losing roofs. Large hailstones exacerbated the destruction.
The Alfred Duma Municipality is working diligently to restore electricity and address the damage.
Mzila said that in the Inkosi Langalibalele Municipality, wards 20 and 21 experienced strong winds that damaged homes and left several households affected. Municipal authorities are assessing the damage and providing necessary assistance to the affected families.
Mzila added that in the Ugu District, particularly in the uMuziwabantu Municipality, wards 7, 8 (eSiqithini and kwaNgubelanga), and 9 (eSikhulu and eMjika) also reported significant impacts from the storm. Strong winds caused severe structural damage to homes, leaving many residents displaced. Relief efforts are under way as municipal teams work to assess and address the destruction.
Mzila said widespread electricity outages were reported on Eskom lines between Mgababa and Port Edward, and in Mtubatuba. Eskom technicians are attending to faults with the utmost urgency. Due to the severity of these incidents, supply restoration may be delayed.
“The Provincial Disaster Management Centre (PDMC) is coordinating with local municipalities to ensure a swift response to the incidents. The PDMC will continue to monitor and coordinate disaster response across the province during the festive season,” Mzila said.
“The affected municipalities have mobilised disaster management teams and relevant departments to provide relief and support in line with their legislative mandate. No fatalities or injuries have been reported so far.”
Cogta MEC Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi has placed all disaster management teams on high alert following the Level 5 warning for severe thunderstorms issued by the SA Weather Service (Saws), which warned of severe thunderstorms on Tuesday afternoon in the Zululand, uThukela, Amajuba and uMzinyathi districts.
According to the warning, disruptive rain could lead to the flooding of roads and settlements, including damage to infrastructure and the displacement of affected communities.
Buthelezi urged the public to remain vigilant as inclement weather conditions are expected throughout the week.
The PDMC will continue to monitor the situation and provide necessary support to ensure the safety of the province’s communities.
With more rain forecast, residents in affected areas are advised to:
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