A severe hailstorm wreaked havoc in Tongaat, causing significant damage to homes and infrastructure. Both formal and informal settlements within the eThekwini Municipality faced the brunt of strong winds and heavy rains.
Earlier on Monday, the South African Weather Service (SAWS) issued a level 4 warning for disruptive rains, predicting intense rainfall, especially along Durban’s coastal regions. Areas such as Tongaat and Verulam were particularly affected, with a local school, Seatides Combined School, suffering extensive damage.
Impact on Infrastructure and Community
The storm resulted in broken trees and debris blocking roadways, leading to traffic congestion and restricted access to several areas. In response, Gift of the Givers dispatched teams to Tongaat, where a tornado had destroyed numerous homes and schools on Monday afternoon. Over 1,200 people have been displaced, prompting disaster risk management teams to begin assessments.
Immediate Relief Efforts
Those affected were sheltered, but faced challenges with downed power lines and cellphone towers, and many roads remained inaccessible on Monday night. The weather service noted that the outbreak of at least two tornadoes in KwaZulu-Natal was part of a sudden spell of extreme weather that began developing over the weekend. This weather pattern was expected to move away from the country by Monday night.
Severe Weather Warnings and Effects
On Friday, SAWS issued an urgent warning ahead of an upper air cut-off low system. This system was expected to bring severe storms, heavy rain and flooding, heavy snowfall, and rough seas around southern ocean and coastal areas. Kevin Rae, chief forecaster for disaster risk reduction at SAWS, reported that heavy rain and flooding occurred on Saturday night in parts of the Eastern Cape, including Uitenhage, Gqeberha, and East London, resulting in at least seven fatalities.
Tornadoes and Further Risks
Rae confirmed the outbreak of at least two tornadoes in KwaZulu-Natal, affecting Newcastle, Utrecht, Ballito, and Tongaat. The weather service expressed condolences to those who lost loved ones or suffered material losses due to the severe weather.
Although the cut-off low system is moving away, Rae warned of continued risks for isolated communities in high-altitude areas of the Eastern Cape, such as Elliot and Barkly East, where heavy snowfall is expected overnight. Rae advised these communities to avoid driving on roads and mountain passes.
The recent hailstorm in Tongaat underscores the importance of heeding weather warnings and taking prompt action to mitigate the effects of severe weather. As relief efforts continue, the resilience and support within affected communities remain crucial for recovery.