Disaster relief efforts are now the central focus in Newcastle and surrounding districts after a severe storm caused widespread damage, destroying homes and displacing residents.
The KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, has prioritised the emergency response, dispatching rapid-response disaster management teams to coordinate relief across the Amajuba and Umzinyathi Districts.
This follows a violent weather system that swept through the region on Friday 26 December, characterised by heavy rains, large hail, and gale-force winds. The eMadlangeni, Dannhauser, and Newcastle Local Municipalities bore the brunt of the storm.
The immediate relief operation is addressing significant damage:
• eMadlangeni (Utrecht): In Wards 2, 3, and 5, over 20 houses were completely destroyed. Three injured individuals received urgent medical care.
• Newcastle: The Department has initiated the emergency relocation of displaced residents to the Osizweni Community Hall.
• Dannhauser: Approximately 115 households were affected, with 30 homes completely destroyed, requiring substantial aid.
• Umzinyathi District: Assessments are underway in Dundee and surrounding areas to direct relief where infrastructure was damaged and trees were uprooted.
MEC Buthelezi has directed the Provincial Disaster Management Centre (PDMC) to work with social partners and local municipalities to provide immediate relief, including food parcels, blankets, and temporary shelter.
“Our teams are currently on the ground conducting mop-up operations and detailed assessments to ensure no family is left stranded. We are working around the clock with our social partners to restore dignity to those who have lost their homes today. Our thoughts and prayers are with the injured,” said MEC Buthelezi.
The relief effort includes logistical and safety operations. The PDMC remained on high alert in the following days as weather conditions stayed volatile. Municipal Disaster Response Teams are conducting ward-by-ward assessments to ensure all damage is accounted for and no affected area is overlooked.
In Dannhauser Municipality, officials including Bongani Hadebe, the speaker of the council, and ward councillors, collaborated with the Department of Human Settlements to walk the affected wards, directly assessing needs.
Newcastle Municipality confirmed its teams are actively engaged in the relief response. The storm caused fallen trees, dislodged electrical equipment, and other hazards, prompting a focus on clearing roads and securing infrastructure to protect residents.
Newcastle Mayor, Xolani Dube, said: “These conditions may pose temporary safety risks to motorists and pedestrians. The Municipality’s Disaster Management teams, supported by emergency services and technical units, are currently on the ground, clearing affected roads, securing infrastructure, and assessing any damage to ensure the safety of residents.
Response teams are working diligently to restore normal conditions as quickly and safely as possible. Residents are kindly urged to remain calm, exercise caution when travelling, and avoid areas where response teams are operating. As a precautionary measure, temporary power interruptions may occur in some areas while safety assessments and repairs are conducted.”
The public is urged to support relief efforts by not interfering with damaged electrical infrastructure and by reporting hazards promptly. Disaster management may be reached on 079 542 8228, the electrical department on 034 328 4700 and the emergency call centre on 087 740 8839.
