Two workers tragically lost their lives on Wednesday after being struck by lightning while working on a farm in Bergville, KwaZulu-Natal.
The incident also left around 50 other individuals affected by the lightning, receiving immediate medical attention on-site. Four of the affected individuals were transported to the hospital for further treatment and are currently in recovery, according to a statement by the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta).
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Sboniso Mngadi, the provincial media liaison, stated that disaster teams are closely monitoring the situation. Bongiwe Sithole-Moloi, the Cogta member of the executive council (MEC) in KwaZulu-Natal, expressed her condolences to the families of the deceased.
Sithole-Moloi highlighted the sadness of these recurring disasters claiming lives in the province despite efforts to mitigate the risks.
“Our disaster teams are working closely with the affected families to provide any necessary assistance,” Sithole-Moloi said. “We have also coordinated with other departments to offer the required support, including psychological counseling for the survivors and their families.”
This unfortunate incident comes in the wake of heavy rains that have plagued the province during the festive season. These rains have resulted in the loss of 31 lives, with three individuals still unaccounted for.
This week, seven members of the Msimango family were laid to rest after their car was swept away by floods on Christmas Eve.
Vincent Msimango, his wife Qondisile Msimango, and their three children, Emihle Msimango, Aphelele Msimango, and Mabande Msimango, all tragically lost their lives in the incident. Additionally, Vincent’s brother, Sandile Msimango, was also buried, and another relative, Kwanele Khanyeza, was laid to rest on Tuesday.
The community came together to mourn the loss of these loved ones, with mourners from different communities converging at the Msimango family home in Roosboom, just outside Ladysmith.
The ongoing heavy rains and resulting floods have highlighted the vulnerability of the province to natural disasters. Despite efforts to manage and mitigate these risks, tragic incidents such as the lightning strike and the car being swept away by floods continue to occur.
The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, along with other relevant departments, are committed to providing support and assistance to the affected families.
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This includes not only immediate medical attention and physical support but also psychological counseling to help survivors and their families cope with the emotional trauma caused by these devastating events.
It is crucial for communities and individuals to remain vigilant during periods of heavy rain and storms, taking necessary precautions to ensure their safety. This includes seeking shelter indoors, avoiding open spaces, and staying away from tall structures or objects that could attract lightning strikes.
As the province continues to grapple with the aftermath of these tragic events, it is essential for authorities, communities, and individuals to work together to strengthen disaster preparedness and response measures. By doing so, lives can be saved, and the impact of these natural disasters can be minimised.
