‘Tornado-like’ storm devastates town in South Africa

At least 10 people in South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape provinces have died after flooding caused by torrential rains. Parts of the town of Tongaat in northern KwaZulu-Natal have been severely affected by a twister-like storm. The authorities have warned of more heavy rains in the coming days.

KwaZulu-Natal premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube, who visited eMagwaveni — one of the worst-affected areas on Tuesday — said preliminary reports indicated at least 11 people had died, seven in Tongaat and four in Nquthu, Eshowe and KwaHlabisa, during the level 4 storm.

More than 55 people suffered minor to moderate injuries and were receiving treatment in hospital after torrential rain, hail storms and a tornado caused flooding and the collapse of homes, school halls and medical facilities.

Transformers and power lines were damaged, leaving many areas without power, while cellphone towers were also affected.

The premier said the uThongathi water works were shut down for a few hours as the heavy rain resulted in higher levels of turbidity in raw water.

Three temporary shelters have been established where affected families are receiving humanitarian aid.

Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and emergency teams worked through the night to rescue people trapped under debris and collapsed structures while others provided food and shelter.

The confirmed death toll from a tornado that hit the KwaZulu-Natal north coast on Monday has risen to seven. The tornado also destroyed hundreds of homes, leaving at least 1,200 people displaced.

On Tuesday disaster management worked with NGOs, including Red Cross, Al-Imdaad Foundation, Gift of the Givers and IPSS Medical Rescue, to provide hot meals, mattresses, blankets, food parcels and humanitarian assistance.