Bergville, KwaZulu Natal: The Disaster Management teams of the provincial KwaZulu-Natal have recorded a tragic incident that happened in Bergville. In the incident, two farmers lost their lives.
As per the sources, many other farm workers were left injured after being struck by lightning on Wednesday.
According to the preliminary reports, the lightning struck at around 2:00 p.m. in the fields. When the incident occurred, the people were still working on the farm.
Notably, about 50 people were affected by the lightning and received immediate medical facilities on-site. Four workers were transported to the hospital, where they are still recovering.
The MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs of KwaZulu-Natal – Bongiwe Sitole-Moloi presented condolences to the families who are in grief.
She stated that it is saddening that these disasters continue to claim lives in the province despite continuous efforts to reduce the risk of losing lives.
“Our disaster teams are collaborating with the affected families to provide any necessary assistance,” said MEC.
Moloi also said that they have coordinated with other departments to offer the required support, mainly including psychological counselling for the survivors and their families.
She added that the disaster teams are actively monitoring the situation on the ground. Further details will be provided soon in due course, as issued by the KwaZulu Natal Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs.
Meanwhile, a yellow level-2 weather warning was released for severe thunderstorms with possible heavy downpours. The western parts of KwaZulu Natal might experience powerful lightning, hail and strong damaging winds on Friday.
Reportedly, on Wednesday and Thursday, the Mayor of Alfred Duma Local Municipality – Zama Sibisi and other government officials attended the funeral of seven members of the Msimango family who were swept away by the heavy floods that occurred during the Christmas days in Roosboom.
Lately, the municipality has experienced heavy rains leading to floods and damage to infrastructure, where some houses and community members were swept away on Christmas Eve.