Broken windows and damaged roofs highlight the severity of the storm’s impact.
Image: Facebook/ uMngeni Local Municipality
The uMngeni Local Municipality is grappling with the aftermath of a severe storm that swept through the area on Friday night, causing widespread damage, particularly in Mpophomeni.
According to the Office of the Municipal Manager, on Saturday the disaster caused widespread damage to properties across Mpophomeni, primarily resulting in broken windows and damage to asbestos roofing.
It said public meetings were held in wards 8, 9, 10, 11, and 13 to outline disaster reporting procedures and support residents.
“Our teams have already assessed over 1,500 households. These assessments will continue late into the evening to ensure no family is left behind,” the Office of the Municipal Manager said.
The municipality has identified the following needs and corresponding assistance measures:
Assessing the damage in Mpophomeni, Mayor Chris Pappas speaks with an affected woman.
Image: Facebook/ uMngeni Local Municipality
Moreover, households with less severe damage, relief materials were being procured and were expected to be distributed from Sunday morning.
“While we acknowledge significant damage to private property, including vehicle windscreens and windshields, we are relieved to report that no serious injuries or fatalities have been reported,” the Office of the Municipal Manager said.
“Our Disaster Management Unit is working around the clock to source and supply all necessary materials identified during the assessment phase.”
The storm’s powerful effects are visible in the shattered windows and ruined roofs across the area.
Image: Facebook/ uMngeni Local Municipality
During a public meeting on Saturday, mayor Chris Pappas said they need to know the problem for each household, with some severely affected and others slightly affected.
“We need to look at the situation at home. Some can support themselves: they work and have the means to fix it themselves. Then some are extremely poor, who cannot help themselves, even if it's a window, the roof, or whatever is damaged,” Pappas said.
“There are others too, maybe you find that they can fix it with the resources they have, perhaps a broken window, but their food was ruined because it got wet. That means, maybe there, we won’t help with something like the window, but we will help with something like a food parcel or food that will help them.”
Pappas explained that to assist individual households, a preliminary assessment or analysis of the damage sustained by each house is required. This will be carried out by deploying councillors, ward committees, and municipal employees to conduct site visits with the residents.
Earlier, the DA made a call to the Howick, Hilton, and surrounding communities to help the affected community with blankets, clothes, and non-perishable food items.
Mayor Chris Pappas addresses the community about recovery efforts.
Image: Facebook/ uMngeni Local Municipality
“I am really, really overwhelmed by the support and the outpour that we’ve seen this morning. Thank you so, so much on behalf of everyone here in Mpophomeni. The grannies, the children, the people who’ve been affected. Your food, your contributions are going to go a long, long way to helping everyone in this community,” Pappas said.