Severe thunderstorm causes damage to health facilities in KZN’s Amajuba district

A severe thunderstorm has caused damage to health facilities in the Amajuba district in KwaZulu-Natal.

The Madadeni Emergency Medical Services base and the Niemeyer Memorial Hospital suffered structural damage following heavy rainfall overnight.

This, as the South African Weather Service (SAWS) has warned that severe thunderstorms are expected to continue in parts of the province on Saturday.

The Emergency Medical Services base in Madadeni was damaged after a tree fell onto the facility, destroying a park home and damaging fencing shared with the hospital.

At the Niemeyer Memorial Hospital, strong winds blew off the roof of the outpatient department and admitting offices, while heavy rainfall caused flooding inside the facility.

KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health spokesperson Nathi Oliphant said that infrastructure teams are assessing the damage.

“These damages are of concern and department will after a thorough assessment implement contingency plans to ensure that emergency medical services continue to operate with minimal disruptions”

The SAWS has warned that heavy rains may lead to flooding, damaging winds and further infrastructure damage.