Thunderstorms cause widespread damage in Weenen
Corrugated iron sheets, plastic sheeting, sanitary packs, sponges and kitchen sets are being distributed to affected families.
uThukela District Municipality, in conjunction with Inkosi Langalibalele Local Municipality, has dispatched emergency assistance in the Weenen area following severe weather conditions that struck parts of the district over the weekend.
Violent thunderstorms – accompanied by heavy rain, strong winds and hail – swept across several areas in and around Estcourt on Friday and Saturday night (December 26 and 27), leaving many residents without shelter, electricity and basic services.
In response, rapid-response disaster management teams from both uThukela District and Inkosi Langalibalele Local municipalities were deployed to the affected areas on Sunday (December 28). Badly affected areas included Nhlalwe, Ngodini and Thembalihle. In many cases, roofs were blown off while the main structures remained intact.
The teams were led by uThukela District Speaker TY Nqubuka and Inkosi Langalibalele Deputy Mayor Dladla, accompanied by Cllr Buthelezi, Cllr Xaba and Cllr Mlele.
According to uThukela District, the disaster management teams conducted immediate assessments of the damage and compiled reports identifying households in urgent need of assistance. Based on these assessments, relief supplies were distributed according to each household’s needs. The relief included corrugated iron sheets, plastic sheeting, sanitary packs, sponges and kitchen sets.
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Addressing affected residents, Speaker Nqubuka expressed sympathy and reassured communities that support would continue. He said that storms of this nature are unfortunately a natural phenomenon beyond human control and expressed gratitude that no fatalities or injuries had been reported.
Deputy Mayor Dladla echoed these sentiments and commended the disaster management teams for their swift and effective response. Damage assessments are currently ongoing at Alfred Duma Local Municipality (Ladysmith).
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