By Celani Sikhakhane
Heavy rains and strong winds hit KwaZulu-Natal on Sunday night, damaging homes and schools in Pietermaritzburg.
The storm ripped off the roof of Ashdown Primary School in Edendale and damaged the Aloe Ridge social housing complex.
Education spokesperson Muzi Mahlambi said they were fortunate that the damage did not affect matric exams.
“As much as we are concerned about the damage, which poses threats to our kids and teachers, we are lucky that it didn’t affect the matriculants who are at a critical stage of their exams,” said Mahlambi.
The Weather Service has issued a Yellow Level 4 warning for parts of KZN and the Eastern Cape, alerting people to dangerous thunderstorms.
The Harry Gwala Regional Hospital (formerly Edendale Hospital) was among the buildings hit.
The Department of Cooperative Governance says the storms will continue across the eThekwini metro as well as uThukela, uMzinyathi, uMgungundlovu, Harry Gwala, Ugu, and iLembe districts.
They warned of falling trees blocking roads, power cuts, the danger of lightning strikes to people and animals, and damage from hail and wind.
KZN has faced severe weather for years, including summer floods that destroy buildings and claim lives.
The province recently experienced its heaviest winter storm on record.
Pictured above: The Aloe Ridge Complex in Pietermaritzburg that was destroyed by strong winds last night.
Source: Cogta
