Cape Town — Cleanup operations are underway in Randfontein in the North West after a tornado hit the area on Wednesday, causing structural damages and injuries.
It is believed that at least 24 people were left injured following the tornado and Gauteng Disaster Management spokesperson, Tshepo Motlhale said they were assessing the damages, The Citizen reported.
Motlhale said several injuries were reported as a result of the tornado after they suffered from the severe conditions. He added that the team has activated a multi-stakeholder engagement to facilitate the response and relief interventions.
“The Provincial Disaster Management Center together with the affected municipalities are coordinating relief efforts. We also have activated even national departments such as the Department of Social Development Sassa, Human Settlements so that we can mobilise and provide response interventions as soon as possible to the affected households and communities broadly,” Motlhale said.
Gauteng government officials will continue to assess the extent of damage following that devastating thunderstorm in Randfontein, on Gauteng’s West Rand. Residents say they have no water and electricity supply as a result of the storm damage. Newzroom Afrika’s @sholwana_z has… pic.twitter.com/Rqjc7LF1S8
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) November 28, 2024
The South African Weather Services (SAWS) are investigating whether it was a tornado that struck Randfontein.
“It was not only a whirlwind that we saw over those areas but also large amounts of small hail over most parts of those areas. We had severe thunderstorms and we had issued a warning for severe thunderstorms that would happen around the afternoon,” SAWS forecaster, Lehlohonolo Thobela, said.
He explained that the weather that was reported was severe and said there was a possibility that it could have been a tornado to hit the area. SAWS were trying to categorise the storm based on the wind speeds and impact caused.
“From what we have seen in the observation on the ground, a lot of roofs were damaged and there were cars that got impacted. It’s not only the residents in the flats that got injured but there were also some reports on the ground,” he said.
A severe thunderstorm swept through Randfontein, west of Johannesburg yesterday, causing widespread damage. Many residents have lost their homes and possessions, while at least 20 people were injured. #Newzroom405’s @sholwana_z covers the aftermath of the devastating storm. pic.twitter.com/Ys66PIIkIs
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) November 28, 2024
According to SowetanLIVE, more than 620 homes were destroyed in the tornado, with injuries sustained at the Umphakathi Mall. The storm caused significant damage to the mall in Mohlakeng.
“The entire portion of Umphakathi Mall is cordoned and closed off now where 24 people were rushed to different clinics after being hit by a ceiling at the Boxer supermarket, and several shops were affected,” said Rand West City mayor William Matsheke.
Meanwhile, nearly 400 homes in Greenfield and 220 homes in Toekomsrus were destroyed by the damaging storms.
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
