Emanyiseni, Umhlabuyalingana: Inclement weather conditions continue to wreak havoc across rural communities in the province of KwaZulu-Natal. In the last two weeks, the province’s disaster management teams have dealt with several incidents where lives were lost as a result of severe weather conditions.
In the latest incident, two people lost their lives in eManyiseni under uMhlabuyalingana Municipality in Northern KZN when lightning strikes their home killing both parents of a six-month-old baby. The incident took place in the Mngomezulu households yesterday.
In a separate incident in Jozini ward 15 in Ndabeni area, a 70 year-old male was fatally injured in a lightning strike.
The Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) MEC Sipho Hlomuka has dispatched Disaster Management teams to the affected area to provide support to the affected families.
MEC Hlomuka has also expressed his concern at the increasing number of incidents where lightning strikes kill people in the province. The latest incident means that in the space of two weeks the province has lost eight lives (two in Nongoma, One in uLundi, Two in Mooi-Mpofana, Two in uMhlabuyalingana and One in Jozini) as a result of lightning strikes.
Hlomuka continues to appeal to all residents in the province to exercise extreme caution when faced with inclement weather conditions. “We are appealing to all residents to take heed to the safety protocols that need to be applied wherever there are weather warning,” said Hlomuka.
MEC Hlomuka has sent condolences to all the families that have lost loved ones as a result of lightning strikes.
Residents are urged: If outdoors seek shelter immediately but DO NOT seek shelter under a tree, under telephone lines and/or power lines. Avoid outdoor activities as hail, strong winds and lightning may result in injuries. Avoid low lying roads and bridges as they are susceptible to flooding. If possible stay indoors well clear of windows, shelter pets, cover vehicles and disconnect electrical appliances.