Disaster management teams have been deployed to the Umzinyathi District and Dannhauser after violent thunderstorms caused widespread damage across the area late on Boxing Day (Friday) afternoon.

KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta), Rev Thulasizwe Buthelezi, confirmed that rapid-response teams were dispatched shortly after severe weather struck at around 4pm, bringing heavy rain, large hail and gale-force winds.

In Dannhauser, the impact was severe, with about 115 households affected, including 30 homes completely destroyed. Officials have begun assessing damage and identifying families in need of immediate assistance.

In the Umzinyathi District, disaster teams are currently conducting assessments in Dundee and surrounding areas, where trees were uprooted and infrastructure damaged. Full reports are expected once evaluations are completed.

Phumlani Ntombela, Endumeni’s Disaster Manager, told the Courier that several houses in Sithembile, Glencoe, had been damaged, as was a school near Wasbank.

Hail, the size of golf balls, struck Glencoe, where dozens of windows were reported broken, he said.

Storm hits Glencoe hard:

Homes damaged in Utrecht and Newcastle areas

The storm also caused extensive damage in eMadlangeni (Utrecht), where more than 20 houses were destroyed in wards 2, 3 and 5. Three residents were injured and are receiving medical treatment.

In Newcastle, displaced residents have been relocated to the Osizweni Community Hall, as emergency services respond to reports of damaged homes and infrastructure.

Buthelezi has instructed the Provincial Disaster Management Centre (PDMC) to coordinate relief efforts with municipalities and social partners, including the provision of food parcels, blankets and temporary shelter.

The PDMC remains on high alert as volatile weather conditions persist across the province.

Residents are urged to remain vigilant, avoid flooded roads and bridges, seek shelter during storms, and report emergencies to local ward councillors or municipal disaster units.

“Our teams are currently on the ground conducting mop-up operations and detailed assessments to ensure no family is left stranded,” said Buthelezi. “We are working around the clock with our social partners to restore dignity to those who have lost their homes.”