11 Dead as Deadly Tornadoes Sweep Through South Africa

Tornadoes struck parts of South Africa’s coastal province of KwaZulu-Natal on Monday, June 3 2024 leaving at least 11 people dead and over 50 others injured, authorities confirmed.

The storms caused extensive damage, particularly in Tongaat, a town in northern KwaZulu-Natal, where images from affected neighborhoods revealed debris strewn across numerous destroyed homes.

“The damage is quite huge,” remarked Nomusa Dube-Ncube, KwaZulu-Natal’s premier, cautioning that the casualty count might climb higher.

The South African Weather Service verified that two tornadoes hit the province on Monday afternoon, inflicting “significant damage.”

“The first tornado occurred between Newcastle and Utrecht over the western interior of KwaZulu-Natal,” the weather service reported in a statement Tuesday.

A larger tornado later formed near Tongaat, sweeping eastward towards the coast near Westbrook and Ballito, causing further devastation.

Temporary shelters have been set up for displaced families, with injured individuals receiving medical care in hospitals, according to the provincial government.

“Tornadoes do occur in South Africa, particularly when large and intense weather systems affect the country,” the weather service explained.

KwaZulu-Natal has previously experienced severe weather events resulting in significant casualties.

In 2022, over 300 people lost their lives in the province due to heavy rains that triggered severe flooding, damaging homes and infrastructure in what authorities described as one of South Africa’s worst weather disasters.