Lightning strikes kill one person, injures three during KZN storm

Disaster management teams have been deployed to the Harry Gwala and uMgungundlovu municipalities after a weekend of destructive weather left one person dead and dozens homeless. KwaZulu-Natal co-operative governance and traditional affairs MEC Thulasizwe Buthelezi said the severe weather which began on Friday and continued through to Saturday, saw gale-force winds and hailstorms sweep through the region. In Umzimkhulu, a ward 15 resident was struck and killed by lightning while at work on Friday.

In a separate incident in ward 12, three people sustained injuries from lightning strikes and are receiving medical attention. “Our priority is the safety and dignity of those who have lost everything in the storms. We are fast-tracking the provision of building materials and temporary shelter to ensure no family is left exposed to the elements. We remain in a state of high alert.”