By Staff Reporter
BUSHBUCKRIDGE– A violent hailstorm tore through the Bushbuckridge area, leaving behind a trail of destruction and tragedy.
Four people have been confirmed dead, while several others sustained injuries as homes and schools bore the brunt of the severe weather.
The extent of the damage prompted urgent discussions during a Joint Operations Committee meeting held by the Bushbuckridge Municipality earlier today.
Elijah Mhlanga, spokesperson for the Department of Basic Education, confirmed the fatalities, noting the significant impact on the local community.
“The report on fatalities and the widespread destruction was presented at today’s committee meeting, underscoring the urgent need for relief and recovery efforts,” Mhlanga said.
The storm wreaked havoc on infrastructure, leaving more than 400 houses and 30 schools damaged in Bushbuckridge alone.
Among the hardest-hit institutions were 18 schools in the Bohlabela Education District, where both primary and high schools sustained severe structural damage.
Godide High School, located in Rolle near Thulamahashe, is reported to have been the worst affected.
Despite the devastation, swift measures were taken to ensure that academic activities could continue.
The Bohlabela District responded rapidly, arranging for the National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams to proceed as scheduled. Local churches offered their spaces for use as makeshift exam rooms, allowing students to continue their exams without interruption.
While the full impact of the storm continues to unfold, community leaders and disaster response teams are mobilizing to provide relief to affected families.
Authorities are also working closely with residents to repair damaged homes and schools, with the hope of restoring normalcy to the area as soon as possible.
