KZN MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) Sipho Hlomuka has expressed his condolences to the families of four people that lost their lives during severe thunderstorms that took place this weekend in the Mkhanyakude District.
The victims are believed to have been struck by lightning during this weekend’s thunderstorms, which affected the areas of Mkhanyakude, King Cetshwayo and Mzinyathi District.
“We express our heartfelt condolences to the families and communities of the two victims in Mkhuze and one in KwaNondabuya and kwaBiva, all these places are under the Jozini Local Municipality. We are aware that four other people are in critical condition and our prayers are with them and their loved ones,” said Hlomuka.
Hlomuka has deployed disaster management teams to provide much-needed assistance to the affected families. The MEC has also urged residents across the province to be cautious more especially as inclement weather conditions continue to wreak havoc.
“This is the start of summer disaster season that has in the past devastated communities across KZN. The occurrence of natural disasters is becoming more frequent due to climate change and we at KZN Cogta are ramping up our capacity to respond to disasters accordingly,” said Hlomuka.
Residents must follow the latest weather forecasts and take the necessary precautions to minimise harm to themselves and those around them. The department’s disaster management teams are ready to respond to all reported incidents in the province.
The following people lost their lives:
- Mthembu Mxolisi (Male )– 14 years – Biva area, ward 6
- Nhlakanipho Ndlovu(male) – 33- Mhlekazi area , ward 1 (incident of mkuze town)
- Dlamini (Male ) -19 years , Nondabuya area, ward 19
- Bheki Zulu – Bhanganoma area,under Nongoma Municipality ( incident of mkuze town )
For more information contact: KZN Cogta spokesperson Lennox Mabaso, 082 884 2403 or Senzelwe Mzila 082 474 1882.
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Website: www.kzncogta.gov.za
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