Snl24 | Storms leave R1,3 billion damage

A trail of damage left by the recent storms in Tongaat, KZN.

FOLLOWING deadly storms that hit Tongaat and other Durban areas, mopping-up operations are ongoing.

So far, estimated damage across the province amounts to over R1,3 billion, with eThekwini Metro bearing costs of more than R480 million.

Siboniso Mngadi, spokesman for the KZN Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, said ongoing assessments reveal that over 7 000 households have been impacted.

Approximately 20 schools suffered severe damage, including roads, bridges, community halls, and electricity infrastructure.

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Mngadi said recovery and relief efforts continue following the storms that left a trail of destruction in six district municipalities.

“Since last Tuesday, when the storms that claimed 12 lives struck several parts of the province, the government, in collaboration with social partners and private donors, has been actively on the ground assisting victims in restoring their lives,” he said.

On Wednesday, 12 June, the Department of Human Settlements delivered the initial batch of building materials to approximately 674 households in eMagwaveni, uThongathi.

Donors and NGOs distributed materials to many other families the previous day.

“The Department of Home Affairs deployed two mobile offices to eMagwaveni shelter to assist people who lost their identity documents to apply for new ones. These mobile offices will be moved to all shelters to ensure that no one is left behind,” Mngadi said.

He added that Sassa has provided a comprehensive range of services.

To date, over 3 400 assessments for Social Relief of Distress food vouchers have been processed, and more than 2 000 hot meals are served daily since 4 June.

In addition, over 1 200 mattresses and 1 700 blankets have been distributed.

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