Durban - As people who were severely affected by the huge storm on Tuesday face the daunting task of rebuilding their lives, various organisations are extending a helping hand to those in need.
The violent torrential rains and strong winds tore through residences and businesses but it is shack dwellers and the homeless who were dealt the hardest blow.
The Mercury has launched a #DurbanFloodsRelief collection drive to collect non-perishable foodstuffs, blankets and toiletries for distribution to the victims. Any donated items can be dropped off at Independent Media House in Osborne Street, Greyville.
Relief organisation Gift of the Givers, said yesterday that it was assisting communities in Durban and the along the South Coast.
The organisations’ Durban Project manager, Mohammed Sooliman said the people living in informal settlements were the most affected.
The organisation yesterday, partnering with Shoprite, had set up a soup kitchen and was distributing blankets and food parcels in the area of Masinenge just outside Margate.
“We have a team heading to Mayville, where an informal settlement of about 150 has been affected and is in need of food and blankets,” he said.
Durban businesses have also been urged to come together in assist those in need.
The Durban Chamber of Commerce is collecting contributions in the form of food, clothing and building supplies - these are items desperately required by vulnerable communities.