Four people died and over a hundred of homes were destroyed as a result of a hailstorm in Mpumalanga. Image: SABC News.
(The Post News)- The hailstorm that slammed Mpumalanga on Sunday evening has claimed the lives of four people while destroying over 500 homes and schools.
According to Tumelo Machogo, a journalist for the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), many houses in Bushbuckridge were damaged and left without roofs. Machogo also stated that they visited Nkomazi yesterday, adding that the hailstorm had hit at least 12 villages in the area, with two people hospitalized. He also stated that more than 30 schools had been damaged in Bushbuckridge.
Meanwhile, Elijah Mhlanga, spokesperson for the Department of Basic Education, stated that the storm injured over 40 people, killed four, and destroyed more than 30 schools. Mhlanga also stated that the hailstorm had compromised the administration of the National Senior Certificate Examinations and disrupted learning, with over 10 high schools severely damaged.
Additionally, the Deputy Minister of Basic Education, Dr. Reginah Mhaule, has conveyed distress over the loss of life and applauded the district administration for their “swift action” on Monday, which prevented a crisis by ensuring that the matric exams went forward as scheduled, regardless of the destruction. Dr. Mhaule encouraged residents to report any damage they encounter, to avoid going across rivers, and to keep vigilant tabs on weather updates from the South African Weather Services (SAWS).
Various government departments and local government will continue to work hand in hand to observe the situation and support impacted families. The rain continued Monday evening, causing additional damage, including power outages and the inability to access several roadways. The affected circuits are Ximhungwe, Thulamahashe, Cottondale, Maripe, Shatale, and Maboke.
According to the Department of Basic Education, an evaluation of the damage will be undertaken; however, the evaluation may be delayed by the ongoing rains.
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