Two die in lightning strike

KZN MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) Nomusa Dube-Ncube has expressed her condolences to the Mkhwanazi and Buthelezi families of the Gxushaneni area,  Mssinga, who both lost their loved ones yesterday during a freak thunderstorm.

Thulani Buthelezi (60) and Mathuli Mkhwanazi (28) were struck by lightning and died on the scene during a wind and rain storm that struck the area late yesterday afternoon. Another 32-year old woman was seriously injured and was taken to hospital.

MEC Dube-Ncube has expressed her condolences to the affected families. “We are saddened by the incident where we lost two innocent lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families during this difficult time. Officials have been dispatched to assist the families. Our work is cut out for us as the provincial government as we implement measures that mitigate the impact of climate change,” she said.

Storm brings some relief but damage too |

KZN Cogta has already started the rollout of lightning conductors to areas that are most prone to such incidents. According to the MEC, this process will, however, not be able to cover every household in the province and requires households that are in some vulnerable areas to purchase these devices from their nearest hardware shops.

Disaster management teams have been dispatched to the area of Msinga to provide relief to affected families and assess the extent of the damage as reports received by the department indicate that several households had their roofs blown off with other structural damage also recorded.

MEC Dube-Ncube has urged residents across the province to be cautious as heavy rains are expected to continue in parts of the province. Over 35mm of rain was measured in Dundee yesterday.

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