Heavy winds wreaked havoc in three municipal areas under the Zululand District on Friday night.
The howling winds left hundreds of people homeless in various parts of the district. Homes were destroyed in AbaQulusi, Ulundi and eDumbe local municipalities. Two schools, namely Mongozweni Primary and Bantubaningi High, were also badly damaged.
AbaQulusi Ward 7 Councillor Mr Khumalo has expressed his sympathies to the victims who lost their homes. He commented that numerous homes in his ward were destroyed and people are currently sleeping at their neighbours’ houses.
As an elderly citizen who lives alone, Beauty Mthenjana from the eMakhwatheni area said that her house was destroyed by the severe winds. The roof of her house was blown off. “From Friday until Sunday, I have been sleeping in this place with no roof. My neighbours fetched me and invited me to their house, as they could see I was dying of the cold,” she lamented. Beauty, who suffers from arthritis, is now pleading with the community of Vryheid to give her a place where she can stay, as her house is in a terrible condition.
Reports have indicated that over 130 houses were destroyed across the three municipalities, with 22 of them being completely flattened. More than 700 individuals were affected by this ‘act of nature’. The victims have sought temporary shelter with their relatives. Fortunately, no fatalities have been reported.
Disaster teams in these municipalities are said to have been on-site since Friday, providing considerable assistance to the victims.
Department of Co-operative Governance & Traditional Affairs MEC Bongiwe Sithole-Moloi has also expressed her sympathy to the affected communities. She commended the disaster teams for their swift response and the assistance they have provided.
“It is regrettable that the prolonged adverse weather patterns have led to significant damages, including the complete destruction of some homes. Our heartfelt condolences go out to all those who have lost their properties. As a department, we have co-ordinated efforts with other departments and social partners – including Social Development, Education and Human Settlements – to offer assistance where needed. Our disaster teams will complete assessments and profiles to determine the appropriate governmental intervention,” said MEC Sithole-Moloi.
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The news provided to you in this link comes to you from the editorial staff of the Vryheid Herald, a sold newspaper distributed in the Vryheid area.
