WITH summer just around the corner, KZN residents who have been affected by natural disasters are panicking.
A number of people in the province have been killed by lightning.
In a bid to reduce the number of deaths, the provincial department of co-operative governance, led by MEC Nomusa Dube-Ncube, launched a Summer Season Disaster Awareness Campaign on Tuesday.
The campaign kicked off in
KwaDukuza, northern KZN.
A team of government officials led by KZN social development MEC Weziwe Thusi also visited the area.
Addressing residents at KwaDukuza Sports Ground, Thusi warned them not to herd cattle, bath or use electrical appliances during a heavy thunderstorm.
She said: “The impact of global warming means we have to live with weather patterns that change quickly.
“This calls for all of us to protect our families by installing lightning rods in our homes.”
Thusi encouraged residents who worship in open fields and buildings to buy lightning rods as well.
Social development spokesman Lennox Mabaso said 30 people in
KwaDukuza had been killed by lightning in the past five years.
“We are working closely with municipalities and other departments to address the matter.”
Mabaso added that as part of the campaign, Thusi also handed over RDP houses to residents whose homes were destroyed by heavy rain.
Gogo Ntombi Mabizela (74), who was among the beneficiaries, said she was happy she no longer has to seek refuge in her neighbours’ homes when the summer rains arrive.
