Ladysmith - The homes of more than 300 residents in Ladysmith, KwaZulu-Natal, have been damaged by large hail stones as a new storm moved into the area Monday, an NGO said
“It has been raining hard for the past hour (5pm). The plastic sheeting we provided to affected residents to seal their roofs has been blown away,” said Al-Imdaad Foundation project co-ordinator Abed Karrim.
“The houses are being flooded. People are in a state of shock at the damage the storm is causing.”
The storm tore through Ladysmith and surrounding areas such as Acaciavale, Ntombi's Camp and Steadville on Sunday night.
“This was followed by a heavy downpour, which in turn damaged people's belongings,” said Karrim.
The foundation was distributing blankets and mattresses, and providing hot meals to the affected.
Earlier, co-operative governance MEC Nomusa Dube said KwaZulu-Natal would need millions of rands to help those hit by hail storms in some parts of the province.
She led a disaster management team who provided assistance to those left homeless on Monday.
Dube told residents disaster management was monitoring the weather, saying the province was on full alert and ready to act.
“This was indeed an intense storm judging by the severity of damages. We need everyone in the spirit of ubuntu to make a contribution...it is time for humanity to unite.”
One person has been injured during the storm. - Sapa