A total of 13 homes and some schools sustained damages in the Ulundi area; following a tornado tearing through the area on Saturday, November 23.
This was the second tornado to hit KwaZulu-Natal in less than 24 hours, following a tornado which struck Utrecht on Friday night, November 22.
William Msimanga of South African Weather Services (SASW) claims there is a strong possibility the severe storm which moved into the Ulundi area; produced the tornado.
Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) spokesperson, Senzelwe Mzila, says there are no reports of injuries or loss of life following the tornado on Saturday. Nor does it seem there is substantial damage to property within the area.
However, MEC Sipho Hlomuka dispatched teams to assess the extent of the damages in Ulundi.
Following the storm in Utrecht on Friday night; Justice Minister Ronald Lamola visited Waterval Correctional Centre on Sunday, November 24, to inspect the extent of the damage.
Lamola’s spokesperson Crispin Phiri says there are damages to four cells in the Medium B facility and 46 houses at Waterval Correctional Centre. This has resulted in 141 inmates being transferred to nearby correctional facilities.
Electricity and water supply at the centre were also disrupted. However, Phiri claims contingency plans are in place.
While there are damages to the correctional centre, official residences sustained the most damages.
Non-governmental organizations are currently providing meals to officials who are displaced. The NGOs will continue to do so until Tuesday, November 26, where further assessments will be done.
The Department of Correctional Services is also providing temporary shelter for the respective officials.
Jan-Henk van Vuuren from WATCO Emergency Medical Services says emergency services received calls from Waterval Correctional Services on Friday night, shortly after 9 pm, that a tornado had hit their area.
“Emergency officials were met with a path of destruction; that destroyed over 20 homes, cars and other buildings at Waterfall.”
Furthermore, he says it appears the storm cell moved from Osizweni through Waterval, before changing to the direction of Paulpietersburg.
“Although the staff residence and a few cars were completely destroyed; only a few people sustained minor injuries, fortunately, no deaths were reported,” he says.
Apparently, several cattle in the area had to be shot due to injuries. “The area was also left without power as the substation was destroyed,” says van Vuuren.
The two tornados this weekend follows the two tornadoes in eMpolweni, New Hanover and Bergville earlier this month.
According to Mzila, Cogta is taking necessary precautions and developing early warning communication with community members. This follows the department opening a communication platform with SAWS, regarding the notices and warnings the organisation issues.
When there are reports coming from the weather service, Mzila emphasises that the COGTA MEC has been ensuring the necessary teams are activated and alerted on time.
Residents are being encouraged to be cautious, especially around low-lying areas or when crossing bridges.
With the holiday season approaching and people making plans to travel, residents are urged to first check the weather forecast, as to avoid heavy rains and severe storms.
Disaster Management teams remain on high alert, monitoring areas prone to weather-related incidents.
Read more: Massive storm tears through Utrecht
