The aftermath of the disaster

WHAT counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others.

- Harold Maistry

These words of our beloved Madiba resonate with the resilience of a community devastated by the tornado and the magnanimity of individuals and organisations in responding to this disaster.

On June 3, 2024, at approximately 4.25pm, a tornado left a wake of destruction, leaving more than 3 000 residents displaced, hundreds of homes destroyed, and 12 dead. The northern and coastal areas were most affected.

It was described as a "wedge" tornado because it was wider and larger rather than tall and reached wind speeds of between 225km/h and 260km/h.

Within 30 minutes after it hit, the Disaster Relief Centre at Vishwaroop Temple Hall was operationalised. This centre was operational during the Covid-19 pandemic, the looting in July 2021 and the April 2022 floods.

The Tongaat Disaster Relief team comprised representatives of the Tongaat Civic Association, the Tongaat Child and Family Welfare Society, the Tongaat Hindu Unity Forum, the Vishwaroop Temple and Dharmashala, and the oThongathi Outreach Forum.

The Vishwaroop Temple premises, with its large yard, hall and learning centre, was the ideal space for storing and distributing relief.

Five shipping containers were also placed at the temple. We remain grateful to the patrons, management committee and devotees for availing this premises at no charge.

The immediate need was rescue efforts, housing displaced victims and the provision of food, blankets and mattresses. Through co-ordinated efforts of the various role-players, the trapped victims were rescued, medical assistance was rendered and the roads were cleared.

Warm meals and blankets were provided by the Tongaat Disaster Relief Centre and the displaced victims were temporarily housed at community halls, crèches, etc.