Rescue workers in New Hanover, a small town in the midlands of KwaZulu-Natal, are trying to determine the extent of the damage after a tornado ripped through the area yesterday. Residents of Mshwati district were hit hard by the tunnel of wind, leaving many injured, a few missing and several trees uprooted.
According to the KZN department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), scores of people were injured. The department confirmed that homes and public infrastructure had also been damaged by the tornado.
COGTA MEC Sipho Hlomuka said that preliminary reports received by the department indicated that a number of people who had sustained injuries in the incident were receiving medical attention from surrounding hospitals. “A number of homes have collapsed, countless trees have been uprooted, and the electricity supply in the area has been interrupted. Our teams are working hard to provide support to the affected communities,” said Hlomuka.
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) warns that severe thunderstorms are expected for most parts of KZN this afternoon and into the evening. Localised flooding is expected over most parts KZN from this afternoon into tomorrow. The local agricultural fraternity is yet to determine the damage caused to farms in the area. – Zoe van Rooyen
