[imagesource:x/@Siyaya911]
Severe weather has caused chaos in Gauteng’s West Rand, with confirmation that a tornado swept through areas like Randfontein and Westonaria on Wednesday.
The storm unleashed powerful winds and heavy rain, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. Homes, shopping centres, and apartment complexes have suffered significant structural damage, as residents now grapple with the aftermath of the devastating storm.
The Citizen reported that the Level 2 thunderstorm that struck Randfontein on Wednesday caused 24 injuries and severe destruction to infrastructure, leaving residents without electricity and water.
Several people have been displaced – SowetanLIVE puts the number at 190 people right now – and some are now battling for their lives in hospital.
A few residents posted footage of the raging weather on social media:
Tonardo hitting Randfontein earlier… What disaster… We are merely 3km East to that. pic.twitter.com/qoAcL9pWDL
— Siyaya Khoza (@Siyaya911) November 27, 2024
Entire complex roof gone pic.twitter.com/0AfySJK7IC
— Takalani 🇿🇦 (@djstago) November 27, 2024
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) confirmed on Thursday that the severe storms over the central and southern parts of Gauteng on Wednesday led to the tornado in Randfontein.
“From evidence gathered from meteorological Radar, that the storm damage and recorded circulating debris in the Randfontein area was due to a tornado event.
“In a SAWS study conducted from June 2016 to June 2021, it was found that 76% of tornadoes developed from the cross-interaction of the strong gust front of an upwind storm with a downwind thunderstorm,” SAWS said.
Rand West municipality mayor William Matsheke said 220 houses were destroyed in Toekomsrus and 400 flats in Greenfields. He said the displaced families would be provided with food and temporary shelter but some residents of Toekomsrus chose not to move to other areas for shelter.
“This tornado was devastating,” Matsheke said.
Meanwhile, Gauteng MEC for Infrastructure Development and Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Jacob Mamabolo, wished a speedy recovery to the 24 injured residents of Toekomsrus and Mohlakeng following the tornado.
Mamabolo said relief operations are underway, and the extent of the damage is being assessed.
“Community members will receive the necessary aid to rebuild their homes and alternative safe accommodation will be arranged for those in need.”
“The scenes of devastation and hardship witnessed in the aftermath of this tornado, is a stark reminder of the impact of a natural disaster such as these and the far-reaching consequences it has on our vulnerable communities,” said Mamabolo.
The Gauteng Provincial Disaster Management Centre (PDMC) has also deployed a team to assist in the aftermath.
[source:citizen&sowetanlive]
