In the aftermath of heavy rains and strong winds that caused widespread destruction
across three wards, the Chief Albert Luthuli Municipality Disaster Management teams
are actively responding to assist affected communities. The severe storm damaged
roofs, infrastructure, power cables, schools, and roads, leaving households in disarray.

The disaster management teams have promptly visited the impacted areas to conduct
assessments, with initial reports confirming 17 households sustaining damage, while
further evaluations are ongoing. Relief efforts are underway, providing essential
supplies such as tarpaulins, sponges, blankets, 2-plate stoves, bottled water, gel
stoves, and fuel refills to the affected families in wards 13, 18, and 25.

The extent of the damage is significant, with some houses completely demolished by
the powerful winds. One person has been reported injured and hospitalized, though no
fatalities have been recorded thus far. The Executive Mayor, Cllr DP Nkosi, has visited
the affected areas to assess the situation firsthand and will conduct further oversight
visits today, March 15, 2024, starting at Nhlazatshe in the morning.

The inspections will cover Wards 25, 13, and 18, with the presence of ward councillors
and municipal officials. The municipality has issued a warning to communities about
potential flash floods and thunderstorms, urging residents to exercise extreme caution
during this challenging period.