Storm causes structural damages to homes, families left stranded

Residents of Delmore informal settlement watched in horror as strong winds caused severe structural damage to numerous shacks and brick houses.

Roofs were blown off, while belongings, including furniture worth several thousands of rands, were also destroyed.

According to Veronica Mconywa of Delmore informal settlement, she and her four grandchildren were inside the shack when the storm struck.

“I was cooking a meal for the children when the roof suddenly blew off. The wall of corrugated iron then collapsed around us,” says Mconywa.

“All of us got trapped under the debris. I managed to free myself to help rescue the children.

“Even though my grandchildren and I are okay, we got banged up by the the corrugated iron and wooden planks.”

Another victim in the area, Richmond Kalo, says he was at work when he received a call from neighbours that his shack was being pounded by the rain and wind.

“I rushed home only to find my shack destroyed. How long must we live like this? It is time that government provide us with proper houses.

“We have been waiting since 1996. We also want to live like human beings.”

In Jerusalem informal settlement, trees toppled over, crashing onto dozens of shacks.

One of the residents, Nelisiwe Mkhonta, was inside her shack at the time of the storm.

“I first heard a loud noise and then the next moment I was surrounded by debris. I managed to get outside only to discover a massive tree had crashed on my home,” says Mkhonta.

Workers from the municipality were called to the scene to remove the fallen trees.

A cross-section of affected families interviewed by the Advertiser at the two different affected informal settlements called upon government, NGOs, individuals, and businesses to help them with humanitarian relief including, food, furniture, clothes, building materials and other basic necessities.

Ward 33 councillor Hilary Coke says she will definitely help to assist the affected families.

– @FanieBoksburg