On Monday, 3 June, NSRI Durban assisted the emergency services during the heavy storm that rapidly moved over Durban.
A statement provided to NSRI, by Konrad Jones of Netcare 911, follows:
On the afternoon of Monday, 3 June, the S.T.A.R.T. rescue control room received multiple emergency calls from the greater Durban area reporting a huge storm moving in from the East, and which made landfall at approximately 16h00 lasting for several hours, the havoc caused by the high winds, rain and a hailstorm resulted in fallen trees blocking roadways, damage to buildings, roofs and power lines, flying debris, and extensive flooding both in the suburbs and on the freeways.
In response to these urgent calls, S.T.A.R.T. deployed its first responders and K9 unit to the affected areas in the Tongaat, which had been most severely affected by a huge tornado which swept in from the sea, directly hitting the residential area and also destroying a school.
Upon arrival, the teams reported to be faced with the immense task of coordinating who and what needed urgent attention, working closely with emergency services partners from Netcare 911 ambulance services, the SA Police Services, Police Search and Rescue, NSRI Durban and the eThekwini Fire and Rescue Services - dispatching personnel to various parts of the affected areas.
The K9 unit and first responders conducted a thorough search of the school as well as affected homes in Tongaat to find and assist any injured or missing individuals.
The synergy between the first responders and the community was instrumental in efforts such as clearing trees and debris, which enabled residents to safely access their homes and preventing potential further damage and risks to the public.
We are extremely grateful to all who responded to this emergency, including the many members of the community who assisted emergency personnel in their tasks, and the days following will be occupied with damage assessment and extensive cleanup operations in the affected areas.
Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this storm.
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