Intense thunderstorms accompanied by heavy rain, hail, and strong winds over the weekend have caused widespread destruction across northern KwaZulu-Natal, leaving hundreds of families displaced and several schools severely damaged.
According to Siboniso Khoza from Msinga Municipality’s disaster management unit, the storms battered the region on Friday and Sunday, damaging hundreds of homes, six schools, and eight roads.
Ward 11 Councillor Musawenkosi Ndebele reported that nine families had to seek shelter with neighbors and relatives, while one family was accommodated at a local community hall. GroundUp journalists visiting Keisdrift, Fabeni, and Kwa-Kopi in Msinga observed collapsed houses and roofing sheets strewn across the area.
Fabeni Primary School’s principal, Delisile Dlamini, described the destruction, pointing to a ruined school hall and shattered classroom windows caused by hail.
In Hlahlindlela village in Mondlo, government officials confirmed that 400 homes were affected. The storm uprooted trees, brought down electricity poles, and left streets littered with debris. Relief efforts are underway, with affected families receiving roofing sheets, blankets, and food parcels.
Mzwakhe Hadebe from the KwaZulu-Natal Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Department revealed that since December 2024, storm damage across the province has amounted to R3.1 billion in infrastructure losses. Authorities continue to assess the impact and mobilize resources to aid affected communities.
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Tags: South Africa, KwaZulu-Natal, Storms, Education, Climate Disaster, Environment
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