A mini cyclone in the Lowveld today, October 28, has left many people without electricity, some roads blocked by downed electrical poles and trees and some structures destroyed by fallen branches.
The Ehlanzeni District Municipality’s executive mayor, Cllr Terra Shabangu, convened an Extended District Disaster Management meeting today to look into urgent interventions that should be made on areas affected by the torrential rainfall over the past few days.
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“The reports from all four local municipalities presented by the respective municipal managers have painted a clear picture about the situation on the ground. It was agreed upon that all reports from all stakeholders should be sent to the district JOC [joint operations committee] by 11:00 on Tuesday, October 29. There they will be consolidated and forwarded to the provincial JOC as soon as possible,” he said.
The Kruger National Park (KNP) has not been spared from the storm. Electrical poles in central Sabi Sands have been downed, causing power outages.
The buildings at Skukuza Airport that were damaged in a recent fire have not been repaired yet, and the roof covers were blown off by the wind.
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Many roads, homes and driveways in the Skukuza Staff Village have been damaged due to the storm and the golf course has lost around 20 large trees and over 40 branches. While the course and clubhouse structures remain intact, the entrance is currently blocked, and some course features are also damaged.
@lowvelder The situation at Mapulaneng Hospital in Busbuckridge after the storm today, October 28. Share your videos and photos with us. Video: Nomthandazo Nyakane #hail #bushbuckridgetiktoker #storm #extremeweather #mpumalanga
Meanwhile, in some parts of White River there is no power, after a tree damaged one of the mini substations. And in Hazyview, various areas are also in the dark, while others do not have water in their yards due to downed electrical poles.
@Lowvelder
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