The KZN department of cooperative governance and traditional affairs (Cogta) has confirmed that one person has died while three others were injured following severe thunderstorms in the province.
The incident happened on Monday, 4 November as the South African Weather Service (SAWS) had issued a yellow level 4 warning for severe thunderstorms and disruptive rain.
ONE DEAD FOLLOWING SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS IN KZN
KZN Cogta MEC Thulasizwe Buthelezi has extended condolences to the Mkhize family in Ward 5 in the Mooi-Mpofana local municipality in uMgungundlovu after one family member died and three others suffered critical injuries.
The department said the incident occurred at 14:00 on Monday in Townview, Ward 5.
“It is believed that the victims were in their home when the lightning struck, resulting in one fatality, Sifiso James Mkhize, aged 37. The injured include an infant and two adults, who are receiving treatment at hospital.
“The MEC has directed disaster response teams to provide the necessary support to the family and wishes a speedy recovery to those injured,” KZN Cogta spokesperson Senzelwe Mzila said.
MOP-UP OPERATIONS CONTINUE
Meanwhile, disaster Management teams continued with mop-up operations following the severe thunderstorms that struck the uMgungundlovu District on Sunday, 3 November.
The storm caused damage across 10 wards within the Msunduzi local municipality, uprooting trees, damaging homes and schools, and affecting power lines. Technical service teams are working to reconnect services.
“Assessments of the extent of the damage are ongoing, and efforts are being made to restore normality to the affected areas as swiftly as possible,” Mzila said.
Earlier on Monday, KZN Cogta said strong winds and heavy rains damaged several homes, and disaster management teams in the uMgungundlovu district were actively responding to incidents reported since Sunday night.
The Harry Gwala Regional Hospital (formerly Edendale Hospital) and the Aloe Ridge Social Housing Project are some of the key infrastructure affected.
DO YOU LIVE IN KZN? WERE YOU ALSO AFFECTED BY THE INCLEMENT WEATHER?
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