Tornadoes Ravage KwaZulu-Natal

At least 11 people have lost their lives, and more than 50 others are injured after tornadoes tore through parts of South Africa’s coastal province of KwaZulu-Natal on Monday, authorities reported.

The devastating storms caused extensive damage, particularly in the town of Tongaat in northern KwaZulu-Natal. Footage from the ravaged neighborhoods showed debris from dozens of destroyed homes scattered across the area.

“The damage is quite substantial,” said Nomusa Dube-Ncube, the premier of KwaZulu-Natal, adding that the number of casualties might increase.

The South African Weather Service confirmed that at least two tornadoes struck the province on Monday afternoon, causing significant damage.

“The first tornado occurred between Newcastle and Utrecht over the western interior of KwaZulu-Natal,” the weather service stated on Tuesday.

A larger tornado developed later around Tongaat, moving east to the coast near Westbrook and Ballito, where it caused further destruction.

The provincial government announced that temporary shelters have been provided for families displaced by the storms, and those injured are receiving treatment in hospitals.

“South Africa does experience tornadoes from time to time,” the weather service explained, particularly “when large and intense weather systems affect the country.”

KwaZulu-Natal has a history of extreme weather conditions that have resulted in multiple casualties. In 2022, more than 300 people were killed in the province after heavy rains caused severe flooding, damaging homes and roads in what provincial authorities described as “one of the worst weather storms” in South Africa’s history.