Signs of storm still linger in Sundowner

Though days have passed since the hail storm that brought devastation to many homes, residents of Sundowner are dealing with the aftermath one day at a time.

Security manager and Sundowner Residents Associate member, Anne Koppenaal recounted what happened that fateful afternoon when life in this quiet neighbourhood turned tempest.

Koppenaal said that within seven minutes of the storm, Leo, Libra, Gemini and Cancer streets were devastated. After the storm passed, she along with private security medics, tactical and reaction officers went door to door to check if residents had sustained any injuries or required assistance. “The devastation was everywhere,” she said.

She described how on the day, residents of Gemini Street could not gain entry to their homes due to the uprooting of a massive tree which restricted access to the road.

“Neighbours were busy clearing the trees. Boundary walls were destroyed, as well as electric fences and gates.

“Homes on Libra Street were hit very seriously as they sustained internal damage.”

She said windows were smashed and roofs of many houses were blown off and scattered over the area. She added that one resident on Leo Street found a carport in their pool from a in Cancer Street.

A walk around the neighbourhood still sees workmen at various homes rebuilding boundary walls, chopped up trees on pavements waiting for collection and plastic sheets where roof tiles once were.

“Major damages occurred in Cancer Street, here windows were smashed, roof tiles were blown away and water could be seen coming from roofs causing chaos with electric lines,” described Koppenaal, adding that one vehicle was damaged by a tree on the day.

But, through all the chaos, emerged community members who were eager to help the next one out. Koppenaal said residents came together to support each other and assist where help was needed and said that even though devastation surrounded them, beauty was found in residents’ kindness and care.

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