Umlilo and rain destroy amakasi

TWO people were rushed to hospital after a fire destroyed multiple shacks in Pipeline informal settlement in Kya Sands, north of Joburg in the early hours of Wednesday, 20 September.

The two are said to have suffered smoke inhalation.

Joburg Emergency Management Services spokesman Robert Mulaudzi said the fire was put out.

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“Two parents are being treated for smoke inhalation and were later transported to various healthcare facilities for further medical care," said Mulaudzi.

He said at this stage the cause of the fire is still under investigation. He further cautioned residents to be safe.

"We encourage our residents in informal settlements to continue to look after their heating devices so that we can prevent fire incidents like this one," he said.

Storms of destruction

Mulaudzi further gave an update on the storm that wreaked havoc in Joburg on Tuesday, 19 September.

He said there were currently no major reports of injuries, fatalities or damage, however, their monitoring teams are on standby in all seven regions of the city and are on high alert.

Meanwhile, there were reports of the destruction of several homes in Tshwane as well as the uprooting of trees following a storm that ripped through parts of the city, also on Tuesday.

The city's emergency spokesman, Charles Mabaso, said affected areas included Centurion, Valhalla and Soshanguve, where a shack fire was also reported around 9pm.

The strong storm came as the South African Weather Service issued a warning of the first spring thunderstorms expected over the eastern interior on Tuesday afternoon.