The Minister of Co-operative Governance and Indigenous Affairs in KwaZulu-Natal, Pastor Thulasizwe Buthelezi, has sent disaster response teams to Phongolo Municipality following a strong storm that hit parts of the area this afternoon.
Around 16h00, Phongolo areas, especially in Ward 11, which is an area in the city, experienced rain accompanied by strong winds. The storm, which lasted for about 30 minutes, led to local flooding, downed trees and damaged public property. Many roads were temporarily closed by fallen trees, including the national route N2.
Disaster response teams, working with the local Municipality of Phongolo, were deployed immediately to clear the debris and reopen the affected roads. Although the extent of the total damage is still being assessed, no deaths or injuries have been reported.