A violent storm damaged dozens of homes and two schools in Ndwedwe last Thursday, leaving at least 70 households affected.

Ndwedwe mayor Samuel Mfeka said two houses were completely destroyed, while more than 50 others were partially damaged by heavy rain and strong winds.

Novimba Primary School and Khanyisa High School also suffered damage.

The municipality has begun providing emergency relief to affected families, including plastic sheeting, blankets, sponges and emergency Box B supplies containing food and cooking pots.

Mfeka said municipal teams were still assessing the extent of the damage and identifying households in need of assistance. The number of affected families was expected to rise as assessments continued.

“Once the assessment is completed, we will submit a report to the district municipality, which will then be forwarded to the provincial government and eventually to national government for intervention,” he said.

Mfeka urged residents whose homes or other property were damaged to report it to their ward councillors or the Ndwedwe fire and emergency disaster centre at 032 532 5000.

He said this would help ensure all affected households were identified and included in relief efforts.