Four people killed as storm destroys homes across Mtubatuba

Four people were killed and several families across the Mtubatuba area were left with damaged homes following Saturday’s storm which wreaked havoc, leaving damaged infrastructure and a massive power outage.

The Mkhwanazi family of 12 from kwaShikishela was left destitute, with nothing but the clothes on their backs after the storm battered their home.

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Mrs Mkhwanazi said on Sunday morning that this happened at around midday, but fortunately no one was injured.

“The power lines were also damaged. We are near the Makhambane school. We are sitting outside as we speak. We are left with nothing besides the clothes we are wearing,” said a distraught sounding Mkhwanazi, pleading for help.

Ntokozo Mlungwana, the councillor of Khula Village which was severely impacted during last year’s floods, said the situation was ‘bad’ and he was still assessing the damage.

He said he would give an update on the assistance that would be provided to affected local residents.

Sunday morning’s storm-related power outage has affected Hluhluwe, Mtubatuba, KwaMbonambi, St Lucia, Monzi and Dukuduku.

It was reported that the damage to the electricity infrastructure included a felled pole in the kwaKwiliza area.

Reports of seriously damaged homes in the kwaShikishela and eMfekayi areas flooded social media on Sunday morning.

One social media user shared pictures of their home at kwaShikishela, which was left without a roof, and another zinc structure in the yard totally destroyed.

It was also reported that trees had fallen onto the road in multiple places along the R618 towards Mtubatuba from St Lucia.

Reports were also received of damaged homes at the kwaQubuka area near Somkhele.

The Mtubatuba municipality said the most affected wards were 9, 10, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 19, 20, and 21, among others.

In some areas, affected residents have been taken to community halls.

“On the N2 en route to eMfekayi, trees have fallen onto the road. We urge road users to drive with caution,” said the municipality.

“We are liaising with government departments to provide emergency assistance.”

Affected communities were urged to contact the municipality’s disaster management team on the following contacts:

Mr. ZS Nxumalo 071 045-4938
Mr SL Mbatha 073 154-9338
Mr L Mdletshe (078) 744-4745

According to KZN Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta), more than 70 houses have been identified as destroyed.

Some houses suffered complete damage, rendering families homeless. Community halls and churches have opened their doors to the public, while others have sought alternative accommodation with relatives.

In Ulundi, under Zululand District Municipality, a block of rental rooms was blown away by strong winds, with no reported injuries.

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