×

We've got news for you.

Register on SowetanLIVE at no cost to receive newsletters, read exclusive articles & more.
Register now

Hundreds left homeless after Joburg storm‚ reports of deaths continue

A severe thunderstorm hit the westrand in Gauteng in the afternoon, causing serious damages to properties. In some areas, traffic was diverted due to fallen trees and flash floods. / Moeletsi Mabe/Sunday Times
A severe thunderstorm hit the westrand in Gauteng in the afternoon, causing serious damages to properties. In some areas, traffic was diverted due to fallen trees and flash floods. / Moeletsi Mabe/Sunday Times

Emergency workers are busy relocating hundreds of people who were left homeless after a storm wreaked havoc throughout Gauteng on Monday.

The Gauteng Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs said it was still receiving reports of fatal car accidents.

“In the wake of the devastation left by the heavy rains and hail storms across the province in the past few days‚ personnel of the WRDM (West Rand Disaster Management) Centre are busy assisting with the relocation and humanitarian aid to scores of people left destitute‚” the department said in a statement issued on Tuesday.

Officials said entire households had been left without homes.

“In the community of Orient hills on the West Rand‚ emergency personnel are in the process of relocating as many as 500 people after their homes were destroyed‚ to the Magaliesberg community hall‚” the department said.

“These people are provided with food and blankets. Authorities are busy assessing the wind and hail damage experienced in a number of other communities and these victims are in the process of receiving the necessary relief.”

 

Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.