Displaced families from yesterday’s storm in the Eastern Cape are calling for government assistance. Heavy rains and strong winds left a trail of destruction in local municipalities under the Amathole District Municipality. The affected local municipalities include Amahlathi, Mnquma and Great Kei.
Some of the affected people had to seek refuge from their neighbours.
Residents of Ethembeni village under Amahlathi local municipality are picking up the pieces after the downpour.
A local, Mnyamezeli Dumaphi, lost most of his valuables after his mud house collapsed. He was not inside the house at the time of this misfortune.
The ordeal has left the 63-year-old man depressed and confused. He is calling for assistance.
“I don’t know what I will do from here, I am left with nothing. I have been applying for an RDP, but unfortunately, this happened while I was still waiting.”
Another victim Xoliswa Mcilongo, whose roof was blown away, has described this unpleasant situation as a setback for her family.
“I don’t know where I will start. I was in the process of building this house when it collapsed. By the way, I am not working; I am a pensioner.”
The Amathole District Municipality (ADM) has roped in other provincial government departments in this crisis.
ADM spokesperson Sisa Soga Msiwa says, “We will be activating various sector departments in accordance with human settlements for temporary shelter, social development, home affairs and other departments that may be affected. Amathole will offer temporary relief in terms of blankets and food as well.”
The storm also caused damage to power lines. The extent of the damage is yet to be established.
