The outpouring of support and aid from communities across the globe has been overwhelming for the community of Tongaat which rose like the mythical ‘phoenix’ and rallied to help their fellow brethren following the devastating tornado that wreaked havoc in the area on Monday, 3 June, claiming the lives of 12 people across KwaZulu-Natal.
The Tongaat Disaster Relief Centre with representation from the Tongaat Civic Association, Tongaat Child and Family Welfare Society, Tongaat Hindu Unity Forum, and Vishwaroop Temple was operationalised within an hour of the disaster. The Tongaat Disaster Relief Centre is based at the Vishwaroop Temple premises at 10 Plane Street, Tongaat.
The tornado had destroyed approximately 7000 households (informal and formal, in its wake and has resulted in approximately 17 000 people being displaced.
To date, the Tongaat Disaster Relief Centre at Vishwaroop has distributed an average of 5200 hot meals daily, serving over 40 000 meals. Approximately 10 tons of clothing, blankets and mattresses have been distributed with 3000 hampers and 50 000 litres of drinking water handed out to to the affected communities.
Jo Moodley, general manager and social work manager at the Tongaat Child and Family Welfare Society said: “We are currently phasing out the distribution of hot meals as hampers and gas cookers were distributed to most of the affected areas. We are, however, supporting the communal kitchens at the transit sites. We currently require blankets and mattresses.”
She said the relief efforts are currently moving on to Phase 3 which is the rebuilding reconstruction and repairs of the houses which were damaged in the wake of the tornado.
“Our focus will be on the uninsured houses. Our technical team comprising engineers, architects, quantity surveyors, and other such professionals is undertaking these assessments. We will continue to appeal for aid in respect of building material and expertise in the building industry,” said Moodley.
For donations, funds can be deposited to the organisation’s First National Bank, account, Name: Tongaat Child and Family Welfare Society, Account Number: 53890571658.
