Violent storm ravages houses at various Elias Motsoaledi villages
EMLM
In what was described as an unfortunate event that was never seen in the area, a heavy rainfall and strong winds, accompanied by hail, caused a serious destruction at various villages of Elias Motsoaledi Local Municipality when destroying a number of houses, schools, causing destruction to infrastructure including electricity cables, roads and bridges.
The violent weather unfolded in the afternoon on Monday 26 February leaving a trail of destruction and displacing many families.
The most affected EMLM wards are notably 22, 23 and 24, along with villages including Mogaung, Legolaneng, Maphepha, Mzanzi, Phumula, Sephaku, and Vlakfontein, that bore the brunt of the severe weather conditions.
Reports indicated significant damage to property, with shattered windows, compromised roofs and infrastructure such as electricity and bridges suffered considerable impact and leaving roads impassable.
One family, the Mampuru, experienced a particularly harrowing ordeal when their home was breached by the force of the storm. They were promptly transported to Glen Cowie Hospital for medical attention, where they received treatment for their injuries before being discharged late last night.
Additionally, primary educational institutions like Sindile Primary School and Tshita Creche sustained substantial damage, compounding the challenges faced by the community.
Simon Makua, EMLM Spokesperson, said the Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (CoGHSTA) in Limpopo, together with disaster management teams from the EMLM and Sekhukhune District Municipality (SDM), have visited the affected areas to conduct an assessment of the damage.
“While the full assessment of the damage is still ongoing, ninety households are confirmed to have been damaged with most of the partially damaged houses have been repaired by the owners,” he said.
Makua added that up to now, more than 50 houses have been provided with relief aid in the form of blankets, food parcels, tents and heavy-duty waterproof provided to families affected by the storms and heavy rains that ravaged five wards in EMLM.
“Some of the houses were completely blown off. Five people from Maredi Family, four children and one adult sustained injuries, no deaths have been reported so far,” explained Makua.
The Mayor of EMLM, Cllr David Tladi, has conveyed his sincere condolences to the families and friends affected by the incidents.
“We are collaborating with other government departments, such as social development and CoGHSTA to all victims. Our teams, in conjunction with Limpopo Provincial Government, will persist in assessments to determine necessary government intervention,” said Tladi.
The mayor has appealed to all citizens and businesses to assist victims by donating food, clothes and any other form of assistance.
The local municipality also warned the communities of possible flash floods and thunder storms and urged members of the public to be extremely cautious at all times.
The Executive Mayor of SDM, Cllr Minah Bahula, has also expresses sympathy for the affected families. “Despite the severity of the situation, we are thankful that no fatalities have been reported thus far. However, the road to recovery will undoubtedly be challenging, and it is imperative that we stand united as a community to overcome this adversity,” she said.
Bahula reassured the affected families that government stands in solidarity with them during this difficult time and pledged unwavering support in their recovery efforts.
For updates on relief efforts and assistance, residents are encouraged to stay informed through government official communication channels.
