Residents of an informal settlement in Jeffsville, Pretoria, were left destitute after violent storms ravaged through a number of informal dwellings in the area on Thursday afternoon.

Tshwane Emergency services spokesperson Charles Mabaso said about 15 shacks were destroyed.

“The storm happened around 17:00. Emergency services were notified around 22:00.

“Disaster management was activated and the officials issued emergency relief items in the form of blankets and mattresses to those affected.”

Mabaso said no one was injured and no fatalities were recorded.

On Friday afternoon, Mabaso said the social development and disaster management officials were engaged in an assessment which is conducted in conjunction with community leaders and the local councillor.

“As soon as we have the report of the total number of affected people, we will be able to share it. It will also include the number of people who will have to be accommodated in temporary shelters.”

Jeffsville community leader Samuel Masilela said most of the residents slept on the open ground on Thursday.

“The wind was so strong, it blew away everything.”

Masilela said they went to local spaza shops to ask for food so they could feed the residents.

“The food was not enough, some of them did not even get food. We would like to ask those with blankets and sinks to help out.

“We have more than 50 people that are left destitute. We have asked neighbours to cater to the ones who do not have a place to sleep. We do not have a community hall in our area so we will have to ask the neighbours to cater for them again.”