Tornado hits Randfontein with devastating damage and injuries, but here is the latest.
Severe weather has wreaked havoc in the West Rand of Gauteng, with eyewitnesses reporting a possible tornado hitting areas like Randfontein and Westonaria on Wednesday. Strong winds and storm conditions have caused extensive damage to infrastructure, and the area is now facing the aftermath of destruction, including structural damage to homes, shopping centers, and apartment complexes.
On Wednesday, the Gauteng Provincial Joint Operations Committee confirmed reports of a possible tornado that caused significant damage across Randfontein. While these reports have not yet been confirmed by the South African Weather Service (SAWS), eyewitness accounts, including videos of the aftermath, paint a grim picture of the destruction.
“With the current storm passing over Gauteng and with weather warnings in effect until 8pm today [Wednesday], we urge people to avoid travel unless necessary,” the Joint Operations Committee urged.
Severe storm causes chaos across Gauteng
The SAWS issued a weather warning for severe thunderstorms affecting the area, with the potential for localised flooding and hail damage. Heavy rainfall caused flooding in vulnerable roads and informal settlements. Additionally, the storm produced significant hail, which led to property damage and accidents due to slippery roads and poor visibility.
“Localised flooding of informal settlements and damage to property (formal and informal settlements) due to large amounts of small hail,” the weather service warned. Minor vehicle accidents also occurred as roads became hazardous, and lightning caused disruptions to municipal services.
Tornado and storm strikes Umphakathi Mall with 24 injured
The tornado made landfall around 1:15 pm in Randfontein, hitting Umphakathi Mall, Mohlakeng, and Toekomsrus. At least 24 people sustained injuries when the tornado caused the ceiling at the Boxer supermarket in Umphakathi Mall to collapse. The victims, mostly shoppers, suffered minor injuries, and emergency services quickly transported them to clinics.
Rand West City mayor William Matsheke confirmed the damage to local businesses and homes, stating. “The entire portion of Umphakathi Mall is cordoned and closed off now where 24 people were rushed to different clinics. After being hit by a ceiling at the Boxer supermarket, and a number of shops were affected.”
Close to 620 homes were either destroyed or affected in areas like Greenfield and Toekomsrus, leaving many families without shelter. Matsheke added, “Houses have been badly affected and people don’t have shelter. We are going to be moving them to our community facilities and halls.”
SAWS confirms Yellow Level 2 warning
The SA Weather Service issued a Yellow Level 2 warning for severe thunderstorms affecting the central and southern parts of Gauteng, including Randfontein. Lehlohonolo Thobela, a weather forecaster at SAWS, confirmed reports of large hail and potential tornado activity. “Observations show that there were severe thunderstorms over the southern parts of Gauteng and covering areas around Randfontein,” Thobela said. “We’ve got reports of large amounts of hail that were reported over areas of the southern parts of the province. As well as a possibility of a tornado.”
Community and emergency response to ongoing damage
As recovery efforts continue in the wake of the tornado and severe storm. Authorities and emergency teams are working to provide shelter for displaced families and repair critical infrastructure. Local emergency services are still assessing the full extent of the damage. While residents are urged to remain cautious due to the ongoing storm warnings.
With weather warnings still in effect, Gauteng remains on high alert for additional storm activity and the potential for further tornadoes.
Stay tuned with The South African as a tornado hits Randfontein with devastating damage.
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