Severe Storms Wreak Havoc in Limpopo
Severe storms have wreaked havoc across several regions in the Mopani, Vhembe, and Sekhukhune districts, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake.
Gale-force winds, accompanied by heavy rain and hail, have significantly damaged property, including schools, following thunderstorms that struck on Sunday night.
Among the most affected areas are Dzumeri outside Giyani, Burgersfort, and Elim.
Mopani district municipality spokesperson Odas Ngobeni reported that authorities are currently assessing the extent of the damages.
“We have activated a district joint committee, which is meeting this morning to receive reports from the local structures. However, we can indicate that from the preliminary reports it will appear that Greater Giyani is the most affected,” Ngobeni stated.
The storms caused extensive damage to homes and vital infrastructure, leading to widespread power outages.
“Mop up operations are underway in the Mopani District Municipality following the storms that left a trail of destruction and injuries,” Ngobeni added.
The Ba-Phalaborwa Local Municipality Mayor Merriam Malatji visited the affected areas of Mahale and Mokhoanana to assess the damage.
“We are deeply concerned about the impact on our community and will do everything in our power to support those affected,” Malatji said.
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The MEC for Co-operative governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs, Basikopo Makamu has made a clarion call to the people to stay vigilant following the emergence of devastating strong winds and heavy rains that recently affected many parts of the province.
The MEC says that since the incidents of thunderstorms, hail and strong winds happened, the Provincial
Disaster Management Center (PDMC), working with the district offices have been assisting affected
communities.
Some people were left homeless because their houses were destroyed by the strong winds
and heavy rains.
MEC Makamu is appealing to residents to avoid building on low lying areas as they are prone to floods
and devastating winds.
“We are calling on the people of Limpopo Province to prioritize their safety during this season by moving to high lying areas to avoid the risk of being swept away.”
“People must also avoid crossing rivers at this time as this also poses a threat to their safety. I’d also like to take this opportunity to wish all who have been injured as a result, a very speedy recovery, and thankful that no life has been reported lost,” he said.
Four people reported dead
At least four people lost their lives, and over 40 were injured during a hailstorm in Bushbuckridge over the weekend.
Deputy Minister of Basic Education, Dr. Reginah Mhaule, confirmed the fatalities and highlighted the storm’s impact on education.
“The hail storm damaged more than 30 schools in the area and threatened the administration of the National Senior Certificate Examinations, disrupting schooling in over 10 high schools,” said Mhaule.
Mhaule commended the quick actions of district officials.
“I would like to commend the swift action of the district officials, who averted a crisis on Monday by protecting the matric examinations, which went on as planned, despite the damage,” she said.
“Classrooms that were unaffected were utilized, and we are grateful for the churches that offered their buildings for exam purposes.”
As of Monday evening, heavy rains persisted, leading to further damage to homes in villages such as Ximhungwe, Thulamahashe, Cottondale, Maripe, Shatale, and Maboke circuits.
Power supply has been interrupted, and some roads remain inaccessible.
Mhaule noted that assessments of the damage are set to take place, although ongoing rain may hinder these efforts.
She urged community members to report any damage and to exercise caution near rivers.
“Please keep a close eye on weather updates from the South African Weather Service,” she advised.
The South African Weather Service had issued a yellow level 2 warning for severe thunderstorms, predicting hail, damaging winds, and heavy rain across various provinces, including Mpumalanga and Limpopo.