Many rural areas in the South Coast region have been hit bad by the strong winds which thrashed the region, plus heavy rain which fell this morning.

Gale force wind warnings were issued yesterday, and these were justified as the wind has blown with ferocious intent all day.

Ugu Disaster Management has attended to as many of the areas that have required help as possible.

In Nyandezulu (Ward 24) a tree was blown over and it resulted in the main road being blocked to traffic.

Also in Nyandezulu, a learner, believed to be coming home from school, was struck by a car a rushed to a nearby clinic.

In the KwaLotshoda area, near KwaNzimakwe, a house lost its roof due to the wind ripping it off.

The Oshabeni area was also hit quite badly.

Motorist are advised to take extra care on the roads, with one phoning in to say that trees have been blown onto sections of the old main road between Hibberdene to Port Shepstone.

A roof at a school in the Msinsini area in Mtwalume was also blown away and learners had to be sent home.

Many schools have sent learners home due to the bad weather.

The MEC for the Department of Transport, Siboniso Duma, announced this morning that Road Traffic Inspectorate has closed the N2 near Kokstad due to snowfall in the area.

He said the RTI team was working with traffic police from Kokstad and Ray Nkonyeni municipalities to redirect motorists and to clear the snow.

Ugu District Municipality has also issues emergency numbers to contact if there are any disasters within your local municipality.

Ugu District Municipality 066 2846752

Ray Nkonyeni 039 6825555

Umdoni 039 9741130

Umuziwabantu- 039 4333586

Umzumbe 082 9357704

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