More than 600 Eastern Cape homes destroyed by strong winds
After more than 600 households were destroyed by strong winds and floods in the Eastern Cape on Tuesday, government authorities are yet to assess the costs of the damages. The affected areas include Fort Beaufort, Alice and Middledrift.
The humanitarian organisation Gift of the Givers Spokesperson, Ali Sablay, said 688 homes were either partially or badly damaged, adding that inspections would continue on Tuesday. He said the number of homes and facilities affected is expected to be much higher.
On Monday Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane visited the communities hard-hit by recent storms near Mthatha in the O. R. Tambo District Municipality.
Mabuayane sent condolences to the families of six people who lost their lives in the storm that swept through several villages last Thursday.
Provincial Government spokesperson Khuselwa Rantjie, said 77 families were left homeless, and fifteen houses partially damaged, while livestock also perished.
Eastern Cape Transport Department spokesperson, Unathi Binqose said several cars were stranded in a flooded road at the intersection of the R63 and Dimbaza near King Williams Town. Hail damaged several traffic vehicles in Fort Beaufort.
He also cautioned motorists to be alert to potential rockfalls in some areas where the ground had become saturated.
