Residents of Inanda and Idube north of Durban were hit hard by a tunnel of wind that blew through the area and destroyed many houses yesterday.

This comes as KZN is hard-hit by the heavy rains which on Monday night in the South Coast areas. Yesterday, vehicles were forced to stop on the road as metal sheets flew all over the area.

A tornado just swooped through Bhambayi Township in Durban, leaving peoples houses destroyed.
Please be safe 🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/zdLSvFhR2Q

— Konke_Mbatha ♠️ (@Konke_Worldwide) June 27, 2023

Siboniso Mgadi of KZN Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) told Highway Mail that the department is aware of the incident.

“We have seen the videos and pictures of the tornado in Durban. The disaster management teams will be dispatched to the area to assist the affected residents and assess the damage caused,” said Mgadi.

He revealed that they did not receive a tornado warning. Meanwhile, the weather services warned that significant heavy rains and potential floods are expected in several parts of the province.

Minor injuries

KZN VIP Paramedics told The Witness that they had two ambulances driving around the area to assist anyone who may be hurt.

“We are trying to get people out of their homes as most of them have suffered extensive damage. Inanda is large so we can’t be sure at this point how many homes have been damaged,” spokesperson Gareth Naidoo said yesterday.

KZN EMS spokesperson Robert McKenzie said that areas north of Durban in Inanda and Idube were affected by the weather phenomenon yesterday afternoon.

He added that paramedics treated two patients in the area for minor injuries and they were taken to hospital.

“They were in a container which overturned during the incident. There is quite extensive infrastructure damage to roofs on buildings as well as power cables in the area.”

Unverified footage

Social media platforms have been flooded by footage of the tornado-like event. By the time of publication, no statement had been issued by the South African Weather Service.

Let’s spare a thought for people in Inanda in Durban. A tornado 🌪️ is no joke #durban #inanda #tornado pic.twitter.com/aFVIG5IZ5E

— Boni Mthiyane (@bonimthiyane) June 28, 2023

Heavy rain, flooding expected

The department warned communities, particularly those residing in the South Coast, of heavy rains that may result in flooding.

“The heavy rains are anticipated to persist through Wednesday morning. While the eThekwini Metro, along with the coastal areas, will experience widespread showers and thundershowers, the intensity will be moderate, with scattered rainfall.

“Margate and Port Edward have already reported rainfall measurements of 89mm and 49mm respectively since Monday. However, weather models indicate that additional rainfall is expected over the Ugu District Municipality, gradually subsiding early tomorrow,” said Cogta spokesperson Sboniso Mngadi.