Two killed, scores injured in KZN storm
A freak storm that raced through the north central areas of KwaZulu-Natal has left two people dead, several injured and scores without homes, authorities said on Tuesday.
Lennox Mabaso, spokesman for the KwaZulu-Natal cooperative governance and traditional affairs department, said that an elderly woman was killed in the Tugela Ferry area while a nine-year old died after being struck by lightning on Monday evening. The woman had died after the roof of her house collapsed on her.
Mabaso said details were sketchy, but the department had mobilised resources to help the affected communities.
He said that in the Tugela Ferry area alone, there were at least 40 people who sought medical attention following the 30-minute storm that ravaged the area. He said numerous people were left homeless.
Robert McKenzie, spokesman for the KwaZulu-Natal provincial Emergency Medical Service, said that paramedics treated at least 30 people in the Tugela Ferry area.
In Roosboom, south of Ladysmith, four children were taken to hospital after their mud hut collapsed on them.
McKenzie said one of the children was in a serious condition while the other three sustained minor injuries.
"Yesterday's storm started early in the evening and lasted for about 30 minutes," said Mabaso.
He said: "All injuries were sustained as a result of flying debris and falling roofs."?
ANA
Photos: ANA