Support disaster relief fund for oThongathi residents
Parts of KwaZulu-Natal were severely damaged during the heavy rains and strong winds yesterday, which left many families and residents without homes and in dire need of assistance.
RESIDENTS of The Bluff and neighbouring areas have come together to collect donations for the residents of oThongathi who were severely affected by strong winds and heavy rainfall yesterday afternoon (June 3).
Also read: Severe weather alert for KwaZulu-Natal
The storm caused significant damage across parts of KwaZulu-Natal, including oThongathi, Ballito, Seatides and Umgababa.
The South African Weather Services had issued a Level 4 warning for the extreme southeast parts of KwaZulu-Natal. The eThekwini Municipality reinforced this warning with a statement urging residents to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel.
“The forecast model indicates persistent heavy rainfall over KwaZulu-Natal, including the eThekwini region between midday and 23:00. This Level 4 warning may result in flooding of roads and settlements, damage to infrastructure and destruction of mud-based houses,” the statement read.
As predicted, the storm wreaked havoc, damaging homes, infrastructure and schools. Tragically, the severe weather claimed the lives of ten people, leaving communities in urgent need of support.
In response to this crisis, a disaster relief support group was quickly established in Durban. Communities across the region, including The Bluff, have mobilised to provide much-needed assistance to the affected families and residents of oThongathi. Illana Sass, Kim Parsons and Wendell Abrahams have been facilitating a donation drop-off point on The Bluff.
“We are accepting all kinds of donations like water, food, pre-loved clothing and blankets,” said Sass. “We will not be accepting cash donations.” She emphasised the importance of material donations to meet the immediate needs of those affected by the storm.
Residents who wish to contribute can bring their donations to 35 Armstrong Road, The Bluff, before 21:00 this evening.
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