Disaster management teams respond to devastating storms in uThukela District

Violent thunderstorms, torrential rains, damaging winds, and hail wreaked havoc across parts of the uThukela District Municipality on Friday and Saturday nights.

The severe weather left many residents without necessities like shelter and electricity, as numerous families were displaced and left homeless. Inkosi Langalibalele and Alfred Duma local municipalities bore the brunt of the destructive weather.

In the wake of storms bringing heavy rains, large hail, and gale-force winds to the region, rapid-response disaster management teams from the uThukela and Inkosi Langalibalele municipalities were deployed to the affected areas.

The teams were led by uThukela District Speaker Councillor Thembelihle Nqubuka and Inkosi Langalibalele Deputy Mayor Councillor Sithabiso Dladla. Councillors Sandile Buthelezi, Xaba, and Lucky Mlele accompanied them. 

uThukela District Municipality communications manager Jabulani Mkhonza said disaster management teams were promptly dispatched to assess the damage caused by the storm. They compiled a report on those who needed urgent assistance. 

“Based on the report that was compiled, the teams were then able to distribute relief stock according to each household’s needs. Among the relief stock were corrugated iron sheets, plastic sheets, sanitary packs, sponges, and kitchen sets,” Mkhonza said. 

He said that Nhlalwe, Ngodini, and Thembalihle were hardest hit. 

“In these areas, one could find that in most cases, rooftops were blown off, but the structure remained intact, while some buildings were destroyed,” Mkhonza said. 

Addressing the affected residents, Speaker Nqubuka offered consolation, describing the incident as merely a natural phenomenon and stating that nothing could have been done to prevent it.

“Storm damage is a natural phenomenon that we cannot prevent. We are, however, thankful that, so far, we have not heard any reports of loss of life or injuries. We also wish to extend our deepest sympathy to the victims of this devastating event,” Nqubuka said.

Deputy Mayor Dladla echoed the sentiment, thanking the disaster teams for their prompt and effective response. 

The disaster teams are currently undertaking assessments in the Alfred Duma region.

Meanwhile, severe thunderstorms caused havoc in the Amajuba and uMzinyathi districts on Boxing Day, bringing heavy rain, large hail, and gale-force winds. 

The hardest-hit areas were the eMadlangeni, Dannhauser, and Newcastle local municipalities, with initial damage also reported in parts of the uMzinyathi District.

According to the KZN Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), affected areas are: 

• eMadlangeni (Utrecht): Preliminary reports confirm that over 20 houses were destroyed in Wards 2, 3, and 5; three people were injured and treated.
• Newcastle: Affected areas led CoGTA to relocate displaced residents to Osizweni Community Hall.
• Dannhauser: 115 households affected, with 30 destroyed.
• uMzinyathi District: Infrastructure and trees uprooted in Dundee and surrounding areas; assessments ongoing.

The Provincial Disaster Management Centre was directed to coordinate with social partners and local municipalities to provide immediate relief, including food parcels, blankets, and temporary shelter.

thobeka.ngema@inl.co.za