More than 900 children no longer have a school to attend.

Seatides Combined School now stands empty after a tornado swept through the school grounds on its destructive path from Tongaat to Westbrook and Seatides on Monday afternoon.

The tornado, one of two in KZN on Monday, caused extensive damage to homes and infrastructure and resulted in the deaths of 11 people.

Among the hardest hit was Seatides, where 35 to 40 classrooms at Seatides Combined School were destroyed.

The school now faces the daunting task of starting anew, needing to buy basic supplies like paper and printers, as well as rebuild its science and computer labs.

School governing body chairperson Jonathan Naidoo said they are still trying to find a temporary solution.

“The school is closed and we are searching high and low for a temporary solution to the problem for now.  We haven’t found any yet,” said Naidoo.

The Courier also spoke with Seatides residents and neighbours of the school, Shaika and Vinesh Omadat, who shared their harrowing experience.

They braved the severe weather to drive from their home in KwaDukuza to assist their 75-year-old mother, Mala Omadat.

“We found her standing in the passage, very distressed. We are thankful she was unharmed. Fixing up the house will cost us at least R100 000 to R200 000,” said Vinesh.

Disaster management teams are still assessing the extent of the damage and coordinating humanitarian efforts to support affected families.

Non-government organisations such as the Red Cross, Al-Imdaad Foundation, Gift of the Givers, and IPSS Medical Rescue are collaborating with the government.

They are providing essential items such as hot meals, mattresses, blankets, food parcels, and other essentials to those in need.

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