In the wake of the devastating tornado that ravaged oThongathi and surrounding areas, calls are mounting for those areas to be declared disaster areas.
The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) has urged the provincial government to take swift action after initial assessments revealed extensive damage to at least 7000 households, impacting over 17000 residents. Additionally, 18 schools have suffered significant damage, and the disaster has claimed 12 lives.
Following visits to the hardest-hit areas such as Sandfields, Fairbreeze, Magwaveni, Newtown, Sea Tides, and Greylands, the IFP emphasised the urgent need for immediate shelter for those left homeless.
“The oThongathi disaster exposed critical weaknesses in preparedness, highlighting the need for better forecasting, communication, and sustainable land-use planning,” said IFP social development spokesperson Les Govender.
The provincial government has identified oThongathi as the area most severely affected by the tornado. Currently, more than 1200 homeless families are receiving humanitarian aid throughout the province.
“The disaster teams are continuing with assessments to establish the total cost of the damages,” said KZN government spokesperson Bongi Gwala.
He added that a central management centre has been established in eMagwaveni, oThongathi, to co-ordinate all relief and support efforts effectively.
In an effort to bolster security, the government has deployed safety volunteers from the Department of Community Safety and Liaison and the eThekwini Municipality to assist the South African Police Service and Metro Police.
Several other humanitarian and aid organisations are distributing food, blankets and other grocery items. Community leaders, however, said there is a great need for building material and assistance to rebuild structures and roofs.
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