HELP is pouring in for the storm victims left homeless in the impoverished area of Bulwer in southern KwaZulu-Natal.

HELP is pouring in for the storm victims left homeless in the impoverished area of Bulwer in southern KwaZulu-Natal.

The storm, which also claimed the life of Shiyekile Mbelu, 80, in Gobhogobo village, left more than 2200 people homeless last Friday.

Yesterday government officials led by social development MEC Meshack Radebe and non-governmental organisations (NGOs), which included the Divine Life Foundation, donated food parcels, blankets and clothes to the value of R1,2million to the homeless.

There were tears of joy when the families braved the scorching sun, leaving their makeshift tent shelters to queue for food and clothes outside Nkwezela clinic.

While the victims received donations with heartfelt thanks, elsewhere other family members continued to pick up the pieces to rebuild their homes.

Thembeka Mbanjwa said they were grateful for what the government and NGOs have done for them.

"We now have food, and that has encouraged us to step from our tents and rebuild our houses.

"The fact that the government has come to people during this hard time shows that our leaders care."

Ndumiso Sosibo said his family lost three houses and everything in them was destroyed.

"But we were given the tents. The government has promised to continue assisting all victims. We received help from different sources, and this shows that the whole nation is behind us," Sosibo said.

Radebe said he was pleased by the commitment shown by NGOs, individuals and churches.

"Help is pouring in from everywhere. We really appreciate what our people are doing for the poor. The Indian embassy also indicated that they want to help," he said.