Nathaniel Rantalane spent most of last night (February 7) in the corner of her shack, surrounded by water.
“I stood in a corner hoping I wouldn’t drown, because the water was up to my knees,” said Rantalane.
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LISTEN: Benoni man takes cover as his bedroom collapses during Wednesday’s storm
https://soundcloud.com/benoni-city-times/storm-tears-through-bedroom-man-escapes-injury
WATCH: Storm lashes Benoni, community shares images and video
According to the resident of the N12 informal settlement, a cable from an electrical box hit her shack and caused the roof to loosen and eventually blow off when the wind picked up.
Her personal possessions were damaged as the rain entered her home.
Men from the community were this morning assisting Rantalane to put the roof back onto her shack and repair any other damage that was caused during the storm.
They collected pieces of corrugated iron, which they joined and placed on the structure.
Phineas Ndlovu, a community member, took the City Times on a walk through the area.
Many residents were in the process of rebuilding their shacks.
“All you hear is ‘bang, bang, bang’ because everyone is trying to fix their homes,” said Ndlovu.
Residents were seen drying blankets and other household items that had been drenched during the heavy rainfall.
William Ntladi, spokesperson for the Ekurhuleni Emergency Services, said about 70 shacks were affected by the storm in Chief Albert Luthuli Park.
He said no casualties were reported.
Help needed
Community member Mary Goby has urged people to assist with any buildings supplies that will be donated to affected families.
Supplies such as corrugated iron, IBR sheeting and concrete slabs are needed.
For more information, contact Goby on 082 679 7109.
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