Lightning claims four lives

A DISASTER management team has been deployed in the Jozini Municipality after lightning and thunderstorms claimed four lives over the weekend.

Hundreds of homes were damaged when the storm hit the Mkhuze, KwaNondabuya and KwaBiva areas on Saturday.

Not only did the disaster leave hundreds of residents destitute, but also left Grade 12 learners without an examination centre after it was flattened during the storm.

The KZN Department of Education had to relocate learners and find an alternative venue to ensure matric examinations could continue without further interruptions.

The Lifalethu Primary and Mabandleni High School were also heavily damaged.

‘There are alternative places and learners will be able to write their examinations without any disturbance,’ said KZN DoE spokesperson, Muzi Mahlambi.

KZN Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) MEC, Sipho Hlomuka, has arranged assistance for the affected families and expressed his condolences to those who lost loved ones.

He also urged residents across the province to be cautious as inclement weather conditions may continue to wreak havoc.

‘This is the start of the summer disaster season that has in the past devastated communities across the province.

‘The occurrence of natural disasters is becoming more frequent owing to climate change and Cogta is ramping up its capacity to respond to disasters,’ he said.

Hlomuka also urged residents to follow weather forecasts and take the necessary precautions to minimise harm to themselves and those around them.

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