A nasty pre-dawn hailstorm just wrecked a Free State township. Early morning severe weather caused major damage in Kwakwatsi, impacting Wards 16 and 17 within the Ngwathe Local Municipality near Koppies. Executive Mayor Councillor Victoria de Beer Mthombeni, alongside MMCs Councillor Moloi and Councillor D Masooane, plus Municipal Manager Dr FP Mothamaha, directed damage assessments. The storm tore roofs from houses, broke windows, and knocked down electricity lines, causing widespread power outages handled by municipal teams and Eskom. Municipal spokesperson Steve Naale provided emergency contact numbers and warned residents against touching damaged electrical equipment.
Public Safety and Disaster Management crews are evaluating the destruction to homes and infrastructure. The immediate response focuses on determining needs for temporary shelter and food aid, with the municipality pledging to contact provincial and national government bodies for additional support. No injuries were initially reported, but the timing right after Christmas exacerbates hardship for affected families, with spoiled food and property loss.
The region's vulnerability to summer thunderstorms was highlighted, recalling similar flood events earlier in the year. The local government's mobilization aims to address urgent repairs and relief, with residents being urged to coordinate through their ward councillors for assistance.
Public Safety and Disaster Management crews are evaluating the destruction to homes and infrastructure. The immediate response focuses on determining needs for temporary shelter and food aid, with the municipality pledging to contact provincial and national government bodies for additional support. No injuries were initially reported, but the timing right after Christmas exacerbates hardship for affected families, with spoiled food and property loss.
The region's vulnerability to summer thunderstorms was highlighted, recalling similar flood events earlier in the year. The local government's mobilization aims to address urgent repairs and relief, with residents being urged to coordinate through their ward councillors for assistance.
