Disaster management teams are in New Hanover (Thokozani and Mpolweni) in the Mshwathi local municipality, near Pietermaritzburg, where a tornado ripped through the area on Tuesday injuring scores of people and damaging homes and infrastructure
KZN MEC for co-operative governance and traditional affairs (COGTA), Sipho Hlomuka, said that initial reports indicated that several people had sustained injuries and were receiving medical attention at surrounding hospitals.
“A number of homes have collapsed, countless trees have been uprooted and the electricity supply in the area has been interrupted. Our teams are working hard to provide support to the affected communities,” Hlomuka said.
There are fears of possible missing people and that some may have died in the disaster.
Hlomuka has urged residents to be vigilant as the risk of heavy rains and severe thunderstorms continue to pose a serious danger to the province.
All councillors and volunteers have been activated to provide help to affected communities.

The department has made available a list of District Disaster Management Centres nearest to residents:
Ugu District – 039 682 2414
uMgungundlovu District – 033 343 1719
uThukela District – 086 010 4257
uMzinyathi District – 034 212 2222
Amajuba District – 034 329 7200
Zululand District – 035 870 1128/1130
uMkhanyakude District – 080 011 7770/035 573 1647
King Cetshwayo District – 086 100 3473/035 787 2698
Ilembe District – 032 437 9379/1
Harry Gwala District – 039 834 0070
eThekwini Metro – 031 367 0000

#KZNStorm #Tornado earlier today, between Pmb and New Hanover. Hectic! pic.twitter.com/zygy6kSj7V
— LesEgo (@Scepe_Les) November 12, 2019
Tornado Pietermaritzburg , New Hanover pic.twitter.com/vKerIG85VK
— WILLIAM THE BLACK (@WilliamHyman11) November 12, 2019
Disaster management teams have their work cut out for them in the aftermath of the #KZNtornado. It’s caused serious damage to property in New Hanover. @kzncogta says there are fears of missing persons and possible deaths. Residents are urged to be vigilant.
Pics: KZN COGTA pic.twitter.com/qmNot3c2vs
— Dasen Thathiah (@DasenThathiah) November 12, 2019
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Author: ANA Newswire