The Ilembe district disaster management centre assisted more than a thousand people who were displaced in Mandeni and Maphumulo after a severe thunderstorm wrecked havoc on January 16.
The storm damaged 225 households and to date Ilembe district municipality has issued 269 blankets, 98 food parcels, 45 tents and 18 pieces of plastic sheeting as part of its emergency relief aid.
Disaster unit manager, Sifiso Ngubane said 159 houses were completely destroyed.
“One hundred and seventy three homes were partially damaged and 1 323 people were displaced.
“With all these worrying numbers, one of the pleasing factors for us is the fact that there were no confirmed fatalities or injuries,” he said.
Ngubane, whose unit is the custodian of the district disaster management centre, said they were already running short of resources to assist those affected.
“We have requested assistance from the provincial disaster management centre for blankets, food parcels and temporary shelter in instances where houses were completely destroyed,” said Ngubane.
