The Chris Hani District Municipality (CHDM) has declared a state of disaster after 50 families were left homeless due to the recent severe weather conditions in the area.
Speaking during a media briefing on Monday, January 17, CHDM executive mayor, Wongama Gela, said these severe weather conditions happened between December 13 and January 14.
“Response teams were dispatched across the district as our disaster management teams are always on high alert to respond to any eventualities and were on standby. Strong winds, heavy rains and severe thunderstorms were expected to hit the district during this period,” he said.
Gela said the bad weather caused damage to properties in Emalahleni, Engcobo and Intsika Yethu, Enoch Mgijima and Inxuba Yethemba local municipalities.
“A total of 135 properties were damaged rendering 50 families homeless. Executive mayors and mayors visited the affected areas to assess the damage and worked with disaster management officials to provide rapid and effective responses to families that have been affected,” Gela said.
Structural damage ranged from partially to totally destroyed houses and “it is such a huge relief that no fatalities were reported.”
Damage assessment reports were forwarded to the Provincial Disaster Management Centre and the human settlements department. A quick turnaround time is expected on submitted applications. The transport department is also conducting assessment of all road infrastructure that was affected.
“As the district we remain on high alert, we would like to urge communities to be cautious and avoid crossing bridges and rivers when there is flooding and to also make use of our customer care centre on 0800 100 100. Our teams will continue to monitor weather patterns with the help of SA Weather Services,” Gela said.
