KwaZulu-Natal storm highlights need for improved disaster preparedness
The DA in KwaZulu-Natal says the recent destructive storm in the province highlights the urgent need for improved disaster preparedness and infrastructure resilience.
The inclement weather over the weekend affected large parts of KZN, including uThukela and uMzinyathi, where hundreds of houses were severely damaged.
The thunderstorm caused extensive damage to hundreds of households. The storm uprooted trees, damaged roofs and disrupted electricity and water infrastructure.
DA uMzinyathi constituency head Mlondi Mdluli extended heartfelt sympathies to those who lost their homes and possessions due to the disaster.
Mdluli said initial assessments indicate that hundreds of houses were destroyed, particularly in areas such as Thulini, Fabeni, Lwezulu, and Ngqungqulwini. Municipal disaster teams continue to evaluate the situation and the number of affected households may continue to rise.
He said the party is grateful for the swift and coordinated response from various organisations and emergency services, that have stepped in to provide relief.
“We commend the tireless efforts of the Red Cross, Eskom, local municipal disaster units and other social partners who have mobilised resources to assist affected families. Their dedication to delivering emergency aid - including food parcels, blankets and temporary shelter - has made a significant difference in ensuring that those in need receive immediate assistance,” Mdluli said.
He said DA councillor Sibusiso Mbatha has been on the ground since the storm hit, engaging directly with affected residents and guiding them to the appropriate relief channels. His work in assisting communities across the affected wards has been instrumental in ensuring that aid reaches those who need it most.
The DA urged KZN Cogta and the uMzinyathi District Municipality to expedite relief efforts and ensure that all affected families receive adequate assistance.
“This storm has highlighted the urgent need for improved disaster preparedness and infrastructure resilience in KZN. The DA will continue to advocate for improved planning and resource allocation to ensure that communities are not left vulnerable to recurring natural disasters,” Mdluli added.
KwaZulu-Natal Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) spokesperson Senzelwe Mzila said the number of affected individuals is expected to be in the thousands, and assessments are ongoing.
Mzila said under Msinga Local Municipality, wards 2, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 21 were affected, where 467 houses were destroyed.
In Abaqulusi, wards 14 to 19 were affected with over 200 households damaged.
“This severe thunderstorm comes as the province is already dealing with R3 billion in damages caused by inclement weather conditions between December and January, with the majority of the damage affecting public infrastructure such as roads,” Mzila said.
On Monday, MEC Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, accompanied by Eskom, Red Cross and other social partners, visited affected households and distributed interim relief to those impacted by the storm.
Additionally, Buthelezi highlighted ongoing efforts by disaster management teams in response to the severe storm that hit Ulundi on Monday night. The storm caused significant damage to homes and the Old Legislature, including roof damage.
“Our teams are working tirelessly across the province, in collaboration with Eskom, to restore power to communities affected by the storm,” Buthelezi said.
“We are also coordinating with relevant departments and social partners to ensure that affected communities receive the necessary relief and assistance.”
Meanwhile, according to Météo-France, tropical storm Faida, under the influence of an unfavourable environment, has weakened significantly in the last hours.
“According to the latest trends, it should dissipate in the next 24 hours near the Malagasy coast. The scenario of a redevelopment in the Mozambique Channel seems unlikely at present, and could ultimately be associated with a new system,” Météo-France said.
thobeka.ngema@inl.co.za