Severe storms leave KZN communities in darkness as Eskom works to restore power

Communities in regions of KwaZulu-Natal, Tzaneen and Mashashane in Limpopo, and in the Free State, are grappling with ongoing power outages as Eskom continues its restoration efforts following severe weather disruptions that have wreaked havoc across the country. In a media statement released on Sunday, Eskom confirmed that its teams are working around the clock to repair damaged infrastructure, which has left several areas without electricity during the festive season.

The power utility said the severe weather, characterised by heavy rainfall and storms, has led to a sharp increase in faults across Eskom's supply network. While major disruptions in the Eastern Cape have been resolved, communities in KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, and the Free State are still severely impacted. Eskom said, “These conditions are placing significant strain on response times, particularly in areas where access is restricted due to flooding, damaged infrastructure or unsafe terrain.”

Despite these challenging circumstances, Eskom praised its teams for their dedication and urged the public to practice caution during this tumultuous weather period. It reminded customers to always treat electrical networks as live, even when supply appears to be off.

As the restoration efforts continue, the South African Weather Service (SAWS) has warned of further heavy downpours and severe thunderstorms, particularly across northern parts of the country. A yellow level 4 warning, in effect from Sunday, December 28, to Monday, December 29, signifies the potential for flooding and other hazards, including excessive lightning and strong winds.

The recent inclement weather resulted in fatalities in Limpopo’s Waterberg district, where two people, including a seven-year-old boy, lost their lives. The Greater Tzaneen municipality has also reported numerous homes destroyed, prompting the Limpopo Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs to call for immediate damage assessments and relief efforts. MEC Basikopo Makamu expressed deep concern over the destruction, stating, “At least two people have lost their lives due to the storms, and many homes have been affected. Our responsibility is to prevent any further loss of life and help restore the dignity of those impacted by these heavy rains.”

The department is collaborating with various governmental entities, including the Department of Social Development and local emergency services, to ensure comprehensive support for affected communities. Makamu urged residents to avoid flooded roads and low-lying areas, to secure their homes and stay indoors whenever possible. Particularly, he conveyed essential safety precautions for parents to keep children away from swollen rivers and streams.

As South Africa’s communities face the dual challenges of power outages and hazardous weather, the focus remains on safety and timely restoration. The public is reminded to stay informed through official weather updates and maintain vigilance amidst the continuing storms.

IOS