Following earlier storms that claimed lives and caused widespread flooding, a severe thunderstorm with gale-force winds and hail devastated parts of the KwaZulu-Natal midlands on 26 December, affecting over 150 households, completely destroying about 50 homes, and injuring five people who received hospital treatment. Health services face disruptions amid warnings of further storms.
Building on the severe weather battering South Africa through the festive season—including two deaths and flooding in KwaZulu-Natal's Ugu District and Gauteng earlier in the week—a powerful storm struck the KwaZulu-Natal midlands on Friday, 26 December. Hardest-hit were eMadlangeni, Dannhauser, and Newcastle municipalities in Amajuba District, with over 150 households impacted and around 50 homes fully destroyed. Uprooted trees, toppled electricity poles, and damaged infrastructure compounded the chaos.
KwaZulu-Natal CoGTA reported five injuries, with victims under medical care. Spokesperson Senzelwe Mzila offered sympathies, anticipating higher impact figures. Amajuba District Mayor Thembelihle Mthembu noted ongoing assessments: “Our disaster team is ascertaining the extent of damage, including destroyed homes, uprooted trees, and electricity poles.” Fresh severe storm alerts urge caution.
Health services suffered too: disruptions at Madadeni EMS base and Utrecht Niemeyer Memorial Hospital. Provincial Health spokesperson Nathi Olifant said teams are assessing damage, expecting service disturbances while prioritizing safety and restorations.
The toll adds to CoGTA's estimate of over R3 billion in 2024 weather-related losses, threatening development. Slippery roads led to accidents; ALS Paramedics' Garrith Jamieson warned drivers of wet conditions. Officials advise flood-prone residents to seek higher ground or shelters amid ongoing warnings.
