Overnight gale-force winds resulted in several houses in Hanover Park being severely damaged. According to assessments,  20 formal houses have been damaged and 10 back yard dwellings. Damages were mostly the result of debris from the roofs blown off from surrounding properties. Three people sustained minor injuries and are receiving medical treatment. The damage was restricted to residents living in Athry Walk and Phillians Walk.

Emergency services are on the scene and busy with assessments.

Three of the properties are Council rental units and City Human Settlements has dispatched their maintenance unit to the tenants. The other properties are private properties which limits the City’s ability to make repairs.

Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security JP Smith says the City’s Disaster Management Centre is coordinating City services to assist the affected communities as well as humanitarian relief through NGO partners.

City teams have attempted to secure large plastic sheeting to offer short-term protection to the properties to prevent further rain damage. Gift of the Givers is currently on site to assist. Blue Ribbon has also offered bread and soup which will be delivered to victims of the storm damage.

Ward Councillor Antonio van der Rheede is also on the scene assisting with the response.

Was it a tornado?

Claims of a tornado affecting the area have been circulating on social media but this cannot be verified at this stage. For now, it has been narrowed down to gale-force winds. The South African Weather Services have been dispatched to the scene to investigate the matter.

Any weather-related emergencies can be directed to the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre by dialling 021 480 7700 from a cellphone or 107 from a landline.
Reports have also just been received of similar storm damage in Mamre.

Smith called on private companies or people to assist with donations. This is particularly in relation to the roof repairs. Donors can contact with Cape Town Disaster Management Operations Centre on 0215976000.

READ MORE: Tornado hits parts of KwaZulu Natal