One person has been killed by lightning at Makhushane village outside Phalaborwa and several other people were left stranded after their houses were damaged by heavy storm in the Ba-Phalaborwa and Maruleng local municipalities yesterday, February 13.

This follows heavy rains that are being experienced in many parts of the Mopani District Municipality Municipal area.

The Mopani District Municipality disaster Management teams have been deployed in the affected areas.

In the Maruleng municipal area, a preliminary report indicates that 17 houses were damaged.

The affected families will receive relief in a form of tents, food parcels and other basic amenities.

“We are urging residents, especially those who are found in low  lying areas to exercise caution as it is continuing to rain in many parts of the province,” Witness Tiva spokepserspon of Mopani District Municipality said.