Disaster struck from thunder and lightning

Thunder and lightening struck and disaster followed soon after. Trees were pulled from the ground, roofs torn off houses and other mishaps due to the heavy rain occurred then.

On February 2 the weather was sunny throughout the day, only to change into a windy, shower of rain. The rain might have come as a cooler to the heat that was prevalent in the day, but its showers were violent and damaging to some property and cars. In Lynville the water ran in the streets, as if a dam had just been formed. Cars were in tyre deep on the roads as eMalahleni patrons scuffled in the water filled streets to get to their homes.

Those that were at home already, had to hope that nothing happens to their homes as some houses had their roofs blown off due to the heavy wind. Three houses had its roofs blown away in Zwane Street. One house’s damages was caused by the flying corrugated iron that was used by one the houses as its roof. Boitumelo Rakwena said, “We were sitting watching television and we heard noises outside. We looked outside our window and saw the iron flying through the air. When we ran to go and check the back, we discovered it was in fact our roof that had been blown away.”

The damage to the houses was attended to by municipality workers, who at least provided temporary coverage to the damaged homes, so their furniture and other household goods would not be damaged. “The television sets and bedroom suite as well as other furniture which was in the room that was exposed, are all damaged. It can’t be used anymore, the bed is soaking wet,” said Rakwena. Another area that was affected was Elukhanyisweni Secondary School. The school’s recently built buildings’ roof was also blown away during the storm, that happened so suddenly with such might. As the corrugated iron was being thrown in different directions by the wind, one of the sleets hit the schools jojo tank and sliced it in half.

“My roof is damaged and the water dripped right into my room and damaged some of my clothes and wardrobe,” said Mrs Martha Kgomo. Her grandson was with her during the cause of the damage and he said that they did at least manage to keep the rain from coming too much into the house. He also added that they called the municipality and reported the incident and help was promised to come and repair the damaged roof.

The stormy weather also broke down some trees and affected electricity in some areas. The bridge that connects Lynville to Ackerville, that was also renovated to accommodate the influx of water during heavy rains; could not provide salvation for residents trying to make it through to their homes.