By Anita Dangazele
- Lathitha Nako, 18, was killed by lightning in her home in Lusikisiki. A second person died in Matheko near Mthatha.
- The South African Weather Service issued a Level Six warning Friday morning. Over 260 households were affected across five municipalities.
Deadly storms killed two people and left hundreds of families homeless in the Eastern Cape on Friday.
The South African Weather Service issued a Level Six warning for severe thunderstorms on Friday morning. Heavy rain, strong winds and lightning hit the province.
Lathitha Nako, 18, was killed when lightning struck the home where she was sleeping with her seven-year-old sibling in Lusikisiki. A second person died in Ward 28 in Matheko near Mthatha.
The worst-hit areas were Ingquza Hill, Mhlontlo, King Sabata Dalindyebo, Nyandeni and Port St Johns.
More than 260 households were affected. Over 160 families were left homeless and others suffered partial damage to their homes. Losses to agriculture, livestock, road infrastructure and electricity supply were also recorded.
OR Tambo District Municipality activated disaster response teams immediately after the storms.
Executive Mayor Mesuli Ngqondwana said the municipality would support affected communities.
“Our focus is to protect lives, restore dignity and ensure that no family is left without support. We are present with our communities and will continue working until stability is restored,” he said.
Roads and bridges were damaged, electricity supplies were interrupted, crops were destroyed and livestock were killed by lightning.
In Port St Johns, small-scale farmers lost 11 cows after they were struck by lightning in Caguba village. The animals were later disposed of with help from the local municipality.
Port St Johns local Municipality Spokesperson Simthandile Ford said the municipality was deeply saddened by the tragic incident.
“Our thoughts are with the affected villagers during this difficult time. Live stock to many is currency, and the struggles of our community are known to all. We sympathise with the owners of the livestock and assure them of our support through lobbying provincial departments to attend to this disaster,” she said.
In Raymond Mhlaba, a clinic, a school and a church suffered structural damage. Several bridges were washed away, leaving some areas almost unreachable. The storms injured five residents.
Relief support including food parcels, blankets and temporary shelter is being prepared. Weather warnings remain in place for more storms in the coming days.
Pictured above: Port St Johns Local Municipality collecting one of the 11 cows that were struck by lightning.
Image source: Port St Johns Local Municipality