A sudden and intense storm hit Tafelsig, a suburb in Cape Town, on Tuesday, causing widespread damage to homes and structures. The storm, which was characterized by high-velocity winds, hail, and lightning, ripped off roofs and damaged homes, leaving residents to pick up the pieces. According to residents, the storm was sudden and unexpected, with little to no warning.
Nazley Smith, a 47-year-old resident of Tafelsig, was one of those affected by the storm. She woke up to the sound of rain at 2am, but it was not until two hours later that she was jolted awake by a loud bang. The storm had ripped off the carport of her home, causing extensive damage to the roof and structure. Smith said that the storm was like a mini tornado, similar to one that had occurred in Manenberg.
Smith's experience was not unique, as many other residents in Tafelsig suffered similar damage to their homes. Shahiem Sampson, another resident, said that his family's roof was ripped off, and an outside structure collapsed. Despite the destruction, Sampson was relieved that no one was hurt, saying that it was a miracle given the intensity of the storm.
The City of Cape Town's Disaster Risk Management spokesperson, Charlotte Powell, said that city services responded quickly to reports of property damage in and around Maanskynkop Street at about 4:35am. Early assessments indicated that about 50 structures had been affected, with roofs blown off a number of homes. Powell stressed that the Disaster Risk Management Centre could not confirm whether the weather event was a tornado.
Despite the destruction, there were no reports of serious injuries, although one woman was treated for shock. Powell said that disaster risk management teams were working with other city departments to determine what assistance could be provided to affected residents. The Mustadafin Foundation was also on site providing humanitarian relief.
Residents who were affected by the storm are now counting the cost of the damage and trying to rebuild. Smith said that her family urgently needed roofing sheets and other materials to temporarily secure their home. Sampson echoed her sentiments, saying that it was a difficult time for the community, but they were grateful that no one was hurt.
Those who want to help the affected families can contact Smith on 065 8425 402 or Sampson on 073 7228 033. The community is coming together to support those affected by the storm, and relief efforts are ongoing.
Key points
- About 50 structures were damaged in the storm, with roofs blown off a number of homes.
- No serious injuries were reported, although one woman was treated for shock.
- The Disaster Risk Management Centre could not confirm whether the weather event was a tornado.
