FILE IMAGE: Severe storms in KwaZulu-Natal have left homes damaged in Mpophomeni, with local authorities assessing the situation and preparing disaster relief..
Image: Freepik
The storm that lashed parts of KwaZulu-Natal on Friday night caused severe damage to several homes in Mpophomeni, in uMngeni Local Municipality in the KZN Midlands.
The municipality said on Saturday that uMngeni Mayor, Chris Pappas, together with councillors and officials, are currently in Mpophomeni, assessing the damage.
The councillors together with management, held an urgent meeting and were later dispatched to affected areas, the municipality's statement said,
“The mayor is currently in Mpophomeni addressing the community and also visiting affected homes. The municipality will start providing the needed disaster relief once the assessment is done.”
The municipality also urged residents to report damage to property, infrastructure, or services to local ward councillors or the Municipal Control Room.
The South African Weather Service has issued a Level 4 warning for Saturday, March 21, for severe thunderstorms in parts of northern KZN.
Heavy rainfall, damaging winds, hail, and intense lightning are expected—posing risks of flooding, infrastructure damage, and hazardous travel conditions. The affected areas include Jozini, Hlabisa, Hluhluwe, Mtubatuba, uMhlathuze, Nongoma and surrounding areas.
Meanwhile in eThekwini Municipality, the municipality said Fire Services emergency lines at several Municipal fire stations are currently unavailable due to a severe network disruption.
It said Friday's storm caused damage to critical communication infrastructure, preventing Fire Services from receiving calls through standard emergency channels.
It added that while technical teams are working to identify and resolve the fault, temporary alternative contact numbers have been activated.
Residents who are unable to reach the usual fire emergency lines are urged to use the following numbers for fire-related emergencies until further notice: 076 223 2224 or 063 603 5775
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