Africa

Storm rips through coastal South African province killing 11

The aftermath of the devastating storm. (Photo: ActionSA KwaZulu-Natal)

By Reuters | Tuesday, June 4, 2024

Trevor Freemantle, who was driving in the area, filmed dark clouds swirling above the suburb of La Mercy near Durban.

A storm ripped through the South African coastal province of KwaZulu-Natal on Monday, killing at least 11 people and leaving a trail of destruction in its wake, local officials said.

Drone footage taken on Tuesday in the South African town of Tongaat showed residents sifting through debris strewn around their damaged homes, trying to salvage what was left of their belongings.

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Local media cited the premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Nomusa Dube-Ncube, as saying the death toll could rise from the 11 reported killed so far.

Trevor Freemantle, who was driving in the area, filmed dark clouds swirling above the suburb of La Mercy near Durban.

"It really did look like something you would see in a movie," he told Reuters. "After it passed I noticed vehicles that had been struck by debris and a truck had been turned on its side."

Today, the Provincial and eThekwini leadership visited oThongathi to assess the aftermath of the tornado that wreaked havoc in the area, displacing hundreds of families.

We provided relief by donating food, water, and blankets.

This situation underscores the urgent challenges… pic.twitter.com/svJOSAimrU
— ActionSA KwaZulu-Natal (@ActionSA_KZN) June 4, 2024