Persistent rain hampers recovery efforts for tornado-hit Montana residents

JOHANNESBURG - Residents in Montana, north of Pretoria, remain stranded and unable to recover their belongings after a tornado, as heavy rains continue to batter the area.
 
On Tuesday, Tshwane emergency and disaster management teams were deployed to the area following reports of severe weather and localised flooding.
 
Assessments confirmed that a tornado caused extensive damage to homes, carports, and businesses, uprooting trees along its path.

Some residents were evacuated as a precaution against possible hazards.
 
Torrential downpours continue to hamper clean-up and rebuilding efforts.
 
Top-floor units in several residential complexes bore the brunt of the damage, with shattered windows, collapsed roofs, and water seeping into homes.
 
Although no injuries or fatalities were reported, many residents lost their belongings.
 
Anika van Wyk, a complex manager at one of the affected residences, said the weather was preventing any repairs.
 
"If the rain stops, things will go better, but we cannot put people up on rooftops and them be safe."
 
For now, residents have been advised to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel until conditions improve.