KZN: Officials come to the aid of Utrecht tornado victims

More than 47 households were destroyed in yesterday’s tornado, which hit near the Waterval Prison (Correctional Services). Destruction was wreaked at the facility’s staff and residential areas, reports Newcastle Advertiser.

Sources at the scene confirmed Amajuba District Mayor, Dr Musa Ngubane, is currently out assessing the damage and assisting where needed.

In a statement released to the media, MEC of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) for KwaZulu-Natal, Sipho Hlomuka confirmed Disaster Management teams have been deployed to the area.

“This is in the wake of a tornado which struck the area of Utrecht, in the eMadlangeni [Local Municipality] under the Amajuba District, last night at about 7pm.”

According to the CoGTA office, teams were swift to respond: “This incident left large parts of the Waterval Correctional Services facility damaged. The damage extends to 20 houses that were utilised by staff. Disaster Management teams are still assessing the extent of the damage, but it is believed the damage is limited to Waterval. So far, no injuries have been reported.”

MEC Hlomuka said the teams would be providing relevant support to the affected families, and said the incident came at a time when the province was still mourning the loss of 23 lives due to weather-related incidents since October.

“This includes the tornado that struck New Hanover, in the Midlands last week Tuesday.”

Inclement weather conditions are expected to continue across the province, and the South African Weather Service has issued a warning for possible strong winds, hail and heavy downpours in parts of uThukela, uMzinyathi, uMgungundlovu, Amajuba, iLembe, King Cetshwayo, Zululand and uMkhanyakude districts.

“We are urging residents to be cautious, especially around low lying areas or when crossing bridges. Before making any long journey, residents are urged to first check the weather forecast as heavy rains pose a serious risk on our roads,” said MEC Hlomuka.

He concluded by confirming Disaster Management teams continue to be on high alert and are monitoring areas prone to weather-related incidents.

Meanwhile, in Utrecht:

Sources on the ground have urged residents to come to the aid of the families affected by the devastating storm:

“It’s devastating to see how animals are lying around and trees and houses have been destroyed. They are in urgent need of water and food. The owner of Thirsti Water, Rob Hoatson immediately donated one tonne of water that will be delivered to Waterval in the next few hours. A big thank you to him,” said Johan Pieters from the scene.

“We urgently need water and tinned food. Distribution points in Newcastle will be Ithemba Security and The Pines Wedding and Conference Village (52 Aquamarine Drive), and then of course at Waterval Prison. Just ask for the person responsible for the aid. Thank you to the community and to South Africa for helping during this disaster. We really appreciate your assistance.”

Ward 3 Councillor, Bertie Meiring added the following:

“42 houses were destroyed and also the staff single quarters that can accommodate 100 people. The roof of the one section of the prison was destroyed. There is no threat that the prisoners could escape. The affected occupants (approximately 280) have been moved to the hall of the prison.”

Cllr Meiring emphasised there was an urgent need for food and drinking water for those affected, and has urged Newcastle residents to take these items to the office of Ithemba Security (16 York Street). All roleplayers involved, including Cllr Ngubane, are currently in an emergency meeting to discuss the way forward. At this stage, there is no electricity in the area.

Johan Pieters submitted these images, which capture the level of destruction caused in the area: