Disaster management personnel from various local municipalities in Ehlanzeni District, along with the Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (Coghsta), are currently monitoring the areas and families affected by the storm on Sunday, September 14.

Coghsta spokesperson Freddy Ngobe said an urgent Joint Operations Committee, held on Monday morning, presented preliminary reports of damage to several houses, as well as educational and health facilities, which disrupted operations and livelihoods within the district.

“Coghsta wishes to inform the public that Sunday’s severe wind and hail caused damages in four villages: Sikhwahlane, Mangweni, Madadeni, and Buffelspruit in the Nkomazi area. Over 30 households, two schools, Mangweni Clinic, a community hall, and a landfill site were damaged by the destructive winds, with roads also affected,” said Ngobe.

The teams are yet to establish any damages or destruction from Bushbuckridge, City of Mbombela, and Thaba Chweu Local Municipalities.

ALSO READ: Heavy Bushbuckridge storm claims 4 lives, hospitalises 40

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Emergency alert: A video shared on the Mpumalanga Concerned Citizens Channel warns motorists to drive with caution on the R37 between Long Tom Pass and Lydenburg, where heavy rain and hail have been reported. > Video: Supplied/Thabo Mafokoane

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“Despite the challenges posed by the weather, only two people were injured and rushed to hospital for treatment. They have since been discharged.”

The Nkomazi Local Municipality’s acting spokesperson, Mbuso Malale, said sector departments are providing relief materials to the affected households.

“Our team is still doing assessments regarding the damage. Relief material will be given by end of business day today [Monday, September 15],” said Malale.

ALSO READ: Storms hit Nkomazi residences and businesses