THE outpouring of support from north Durban residents for victims of the Tongaat (oThongathi) storms has been overwhelming.

That’s according to Ward 35 councillor Nicole Bollman who put out a call for help hours after heavy rains, a hailstorm and strong winds caused widespread destruction to homes and infrastructure in the area.

More than 1 200 people were left homeless while 12 people were killed by the Tongaat tornado.

Several disaster management teams, as well as local residents and organisations, coordinated humanitarian efforts for the affected families following the storm which struck on Monday, June 3.

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On a local front, residents donated thousands of items of non-perishable food, clothing and blankets and provided other humanitarian assistance.

Bollman said the greatest need right now is for building material.

“I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to everyone who graciously and kindly donated to this cause. Their generosity has been overwhelming and greatly appreciated, especially as so many businesses and organisations acted as drop-off points in the area. It is due to the exceptional outpouring of love and support that we have been requested to stop collecting pre-loved clothing and are now looking at non-perishable food items.

“The greatest need currently is for professional building engineers who can volunteer their expertise pro bono to assess the damage. Additionally, building materials are critically needed to help those affected to rebuild their homes and regain their dignity,” she said.

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Eastmans Super SPAR, which acted as one of the drop-off points, was also called in to deliver aid to those affected.

Garth Slater, one of the owners and manager of the store, also thanked the community for their support.

“The response was instant – as soon as Nicole (Bollman) put out the call, we had donations rolling in. We estimated more than 250 trolley loads of items was donated with as much as R14 000 donated in cash. It just goes to show the heart of this community. We’ve had it since the floods and when Cape Town was facing Day Zero without water. People are willing to give and help out wherever they can,” he said.

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