DURBAN – It was a day of doom in the province of KwaZulu-Natal on Tuesday as hailstorms with winds traveling at enormous speeds ravaged cars, homes, hospitals and commercial buildings.
It is reported the winds were traveling at a pace of 70km per hour as they lashed the city wreaking havoc in the process.
The South African Weather Service had warned about the storm and encouraged residents to stay indoors as much as possible.
This never helped as heavy hailstorms that broke windows, flooded homes and businesses leaving residents with no choice but to evacuate.
Flooded roads also left many motorists and passengers with no choice but to evacuate their drowning vehicles through windows.
Several hospitals were damaged, including Addington, RK Khan, King Edward, Wentworth, King Dinizulu, Saint Aidans and Clairwood Hospital.
It is reported two patients were killed and two suffered severe injuries at Prince Mshiyeni Hospital when a wall collapsed over them.
The death toll has risen to six and the number could be higher by the end of the week.
Some patients have been transferred to other healthcare facilities in the city to get the necessary medical attention.
KwaZulu-Natal Health MEC Sibongiseni Dhlomo has sent condolences to the families of the deceased and is expected to visit several hospitals damaged by the storm.
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