Eight people were killed and at least 400 houses destroyed in a heavy storm in Durban’s Molweni area on Friday.
”The storm arrived, it was over in a matter of five or six minutes … it was hail, rain and wind. It’s as though someone drove a bulldozer though the area,” said Democratic Alliance councillor Tex Collins.
Families were milling around in the drizzling rain, devastated and in disbelief at what had happened.
A resident, who identified herself as Lindiwe Nthsangase, said her house was fine but was concerned about her brother, who also lived in a house in the area.
She said she was still waiting for him to arrive.
Police earlier said two children were believed to be among the dead.
They were apparently killed when houses collapsed, Superintendent Muzi Mngomezulu said.
A large contingent of police, and rescue and emergency services personnel were at the scene.
KwaZulu-Natal ambulance service staff said at least 100 people were reported to be injured. Of the injured, fifty were described as being in a serious condition.
In the Shongweni area, telephone poles had been buckled and bowled over by strong winds.
The storm caused a huge traffic back-up in Durban’s western areas, including Shongweni. — Sapa