Strong winds rip roofs off homes in Cape Town

Strong winds

Cape Town – About 50 structures were damaged in Tafelsig, Mitchells Plain, after strong winds ripped roofs from homes early on Tuesday morning.

According to News24, emergency services responded to reports of damage in the area, while residents shared images and videos on social media suggesting that a tornado may have swept through the community.

However, the City of Cape Town said it was too early to confirm whether a tornado was responsible for the destruction.

The City’s Disaster Risk Management Centre said it could confirm that “high-velocity winds” had caused damage to properties, but that the situation remained under assessment.

Fire and Rescue Services spokesperson Jermaine Carelse said emergency crews were dispatched after the first reports were received at about 4:35am.

“Upon arrival, crews found that several houses had sustained damage, with roofs having been blown off,” Carelse said.

“At this stage, it is estimated that approximately 50 structures in and around Maanskynkop Street have been affected.”

No serious injuries were reported, although one woman was treated for shock at the scene, according to Smile 90.4FM.

Residents compared the damage to the 1999 Manenberg tornado, although the City cautioned that Tuesday’s incident had not been confirmed as a tornado.

The reports come as the South African Weather Service has forecast isolated to scattered showers and thunderstorms in parts of the country, with windy conditions expected in some areas.

SAnews, citing SAWS, reported that the weather system could bring strong winds and other hazardous conditions.

Authorities are continuing to assess the extent of the damage in Tafelsig, while further information is expected on whether the weather phenomenon was a tornado or another form of severe wind event.

Picture: Copilot

For more African news, visit Africaninsider.com

Compiled by Betha Madhomu

Article written by