A HEAVY storm that hit Margate on Sunday, 14 April led to the deaths of four people and damaged some businesses and a church.
Mop up operations are still underway and the SunTeam visited the area and met a pastor whose church collapsed during the storm.
Pastor Warner Olivier of Doxa Church said they held their church ceremony outside the collapsed building. He said they lost everything in the church, and it was estimated to be worst R2 million.
He said: "We're currently looking for another place to rent. We are also renting in this building that collapsed and we've been renting for four years."
Workers from a car wash were busy cleaning outside the car wash. A worker said most shops in the area were closed, but the car wash was not. "We're clearing the parking area so that cars can drive over the mud that is near the entrance," he said.
Meanwhile, KZN MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta), Bongiwe Sithole-Moloi organised various departments as part of the disaster response efforts in Margate.
Cogta spokesman Siboniso Mngadi said as the disaster teams continue with the assessment, sadly, five people were confirmed to have passed away in the Margate area.
"Three people drowned when the vehicle they were travelling in was washed away, while one was struck by lightning. The fifth victim fell from the roof when he was trying to stop the flooding water that was gashing through. Additionally, two people were reported injured in the Umgababa area in the south of eThekwini," he said.
He said in the aftermath of the destruction, Sithole-Moloi together with the local leadership extended heartfelt condolences to all the families that lost their loved ones.
"Some businesses on the beachfront were washed away as a nearby stream overflowed, causing serious damage to roads, sewer infrastructure, traffic lights and electricity. Among the most affected businesses was a car dealership where over seven vehicles were washed away.
"Sithole-Moloi together with the mayor of Ugu District, Sikhumbuzo Mqadi and mayor of Ray Nkonyeni Municipality, Zodwa Mzindle conducted assessments in several areas to establish the extent of the damages," he said.
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Sithole-Moloi reassured residents that she has activated other departments such as transport, health, social development, economic development and home affairs to attend to the pressing issues.
“The extent of the damages will require intervention from the various departments with whom we have engaged. We have also engaged the national government. Once our teams have concluded the interim report, we will submit it for further intervention.
"In due course, other MECs will make necessary interventions, particularly concerning households, infrastructure, and businesses," she said.
She said they are relieved that no families were moved to mass care centres, although they suffered damages.
