Media Statement
28 October 2019
PREMIER SIHLE ZIKALALA CONVEYS CONDOLENCES TO FAMILIES OF FOUR PEOPLE KILLED BY LIGHTNING IN NORTHERN KZN
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Mr Sihle Zikalala has conveyed his sincere condolences to the families of four people who lost their lives when a severe thunderstorm ravaged some parts of the province this past weekend.
The storm left a trail of destruction in several villages in the Mkhanyakude, King Cetshwayo and the UMzinyathi districts.
The Premier also sent words of comfort to those families whose houses were destroyed by the storm.
According to the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) in the province, two people were struck by lightning in Mkhuze, one in KwaNondabuya and kwaBiva in Jozini Municipality.
“I am deeply saddened to learn of the loss of lives and devastation to homes that came with the storm in uMkhanyakude, King Cetshwayo and the Mzinyathi Districts.
On behalf of the provincial government and the people of KwaZulu-Natal, I would like to send our heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased as well as those who lost their homes. Our prayers are with those affected.”
The Premier said the Provincial Disaster Management Centre was monitoring the situation and supporting the affected municipalities with coordinating emergency relief efforts.
Mr Zikalala, who is also the Champion of Umkhanyakude District, said the magnitude of the effects of the thunderstorm also required all sectors of the society to lend a helping hand.
ISSUED BY THE OFFICE OF THE PREMIER
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