Three children were struck by lightning as severe thunderstorms, strong winds and lightning caused havoc in Dannhauser, Escourt, Vryheid and Ulundi this week. The The KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) Department says provincial disaster management teams are responding to the trail of destruction.
The department said three pupils from Mandlamasha Primary School in Dannhauser (under Amajuba District) were struck by lightning on their way home from school on Monday February 5. One of them died on the spot, while the other two were rushed to hospital, where they are recovering.
KZN CoGTA MEC, Bongiwe Sithole-Moloi, has expressed condolences to the family of the pupil who died and wished a speedy recovery to the two who had been hospitalised.
Ms Sithole-Moloi said a number of households in the affected areas had been severely impacted, as the strong winds tore roofs apart. She said public infrastructure had not been spared from the disaster as power lines were destroyed by the strong winds, resulting in power outages in some areas.
“Our initial reports suggest that the most affected areas were Wembezi in Estcourt (under Inkosi Langalibalele Local Municipality), Nhlazatshe in Ulundi and Ozwathini and Mhlongo farm under Abaqulusi Local Municipality,” Ms Sithole-Moloi.
“It is deeply saddening that the inclement weather has caused yet another disaster in our province, as many municipalities are currently repairing homes and infrastructure after last month’s heavy rains. We have sent teams that are currently on the ground to assist affected families with immediate relief and to attend to the needs of those affected.”
Ms Sithole-Moloi has instructed the disaster teams to work together with all affected municipalities, and the department has coordinated with other departments to come to the aid of affected families.
“Some families have lost their valuables, such as furniture and important documents and medication.
“We are engaging with the Department of Health, Home Affairs, and Sassa (South African Social Security Agency) to assist with the replacement of important documents and medication. The disaster team is providing immediate relief, as it continues with assessments to establish the full extent of the damage in all affected areas. More details will be confirmed at a later stage,” said Ms Sithole-Moloi.
