OThongathi residents still reeling from tornado's impact

DURBAN - Residents in oThongathi are still reeling from the devastating impact of this week’s tornado.

A multitude of homes were destroyed, with thousands of families left destitute in the aftermath.

At least 12 people have been confirmed dead.

Mop-up operations are under way as the ravaged community tries to salvage what’s left of their homes and to rebuild.

The area remains a devastating image, with houses razed to the ground after the tornado struck at the start of the week.

Several structures are roofless, with cars, furniture and appliances also among the rubble on the streets.

Humanitarian aid vehicles have been offering much-needed food and water.

This comes as some people are trying to pick up the pieces to rebuild, and those without the means rely on help at nearby community halls.

MORE THAN 8,000 PEOPLE AFFECTED BY TORNADO - KAUNDA

The eThekwini Municipality on Friday confirmed that almost 8,000 people have been affected by this week’s tornado.

“The magnitude of damage that took place in this area, it has affected more than 8,000 people we also talk about more than 2,000 houses that were affected,” Mayor Mxolisi Kaunda told Eyewitness News on Friday.

He said the municipality would also assist with burying those who lost their lives in the disaster.

“We are also helping them as the municipality in terms of the funeral arrangements with the limited resources at our disposal.”

The metro municipality is providing relief in the form of food and blankets to those left destitute by the disaster.

Meanwhile, President Cyril Ramaphosa is in Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape for an oversight visit after floods claimed several lives and damaged infrastructure in the area.