Over 80 houses have been destroyed by severe weather conditions in parts of KwaZulu-Natal as inclement weather persists, reports EWN. Heavy snowfall was recorded in Harry Gwala and parts of the uGu district, prompting the weather service to issue level 2 and 4 alerts for hailstorms, strong winds, rain, and thunderstorms.
KZN Cooperative Governance MEC Thulasizwe Buthelezi said that “strong winds have severely damaged a number of households, schools, and public infrastructure. We are relieved no fatalities have been reported at this stage.”
There were electricity outages across the province. The impacted areas included Empangeni, Melmoth, Mtubatuba, Ulundi, Hluhluwe, Jozini, Nongoma, Eshowe, Bergville, Ladysmith, Ixopo, Kokstad, Cedarville in the Eastern Cape, Franklin, Umzimkhulu and Harding.
“Public infrastructure, especially electricity lines, has been severely affected. In some areas, power lines were damaged by snow and strong winds, which left residents and businesses in darkness,” said Buthelezi.
Residents are urged to remain on high alert and seek shelter where necessary.
“The cold weather will persist for a prolonged period. While we keep warm, let us also remain vigilant. Communities in informal settlements are particularly at risk of fires as many residents resort to using izimbawula, open fires, or heaters. These can increase the risk of fire disasters. We plead with residents to exercise caution to protect lives and infrastructure,” said Buthelezi.
