Storms leave three dead, families homeless in OR Tambo

By Thapelo Molefe

At least three people have died across the OR Tambo District after violent storms tore through Mthatha and surrounding areas, flattening homes, cutting electricity and leaving more than 100 households affected.

In Silverton, under the King Sabata Dalindyebo (KSD) Municipality, about 45 people were left homeless when heavy rains and strong winds ripped off roofs and toppled electricity lines on Friday.

One person was rushed to hospital, while no fatalities were reported in the area.

Executive mayor Nyaniso Nelani visited Silverton on Sunday to assess the damage and hand over blankets to displaced residents sheltering in a community hall, with assistance from the O.R. Tambo District Municipality.

Silverton is among several hard hit areas in Mthatha, including Southernwood and Fort Gale.

Across the district’s five local municipalities, 106 households have been affected, with several homes destroyed or partially damaged.

The district confirmed that severe thunderstorms, accompanied by