Tornado Hits Tshwane and Leaves a Trail of Destruction
As relentless downpours continued to batter Gauteng, a tornado struck Tshwane, leaving a devastating trail of destruction. The powerful storm damaged homes, businesses, and vehicles, uprooted trees, and tore off rooftops, causing widespread chaos. Fortunately, there have been no reported injuries, but emergency services remain on high alert as more rain is expected.
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Emergency Response and Evacuations
Emergency response teams from the City of Tshwane Emergency Services Department were quickly deployed to affected areas. The storm was initially reported as flooding to the Emergency Communication Centre (ECC) on Tuesday evening at around 6 PM. However, upon arrival, responders discovered the significant damage caused by the tornado.
According to Emergency Services spokesperson Lindsay Zwelithini Mnguni, teams consisting of:
✔️ Firefighters from multiple fire stations
✔️ Disaster risk management officials
✔️ Swift water rescue units
✔️ Rapid intervention teams
…were all deployed to assist affected residents, particularly in Montana, Pretoria North, where several buildings suffered severe damage.
Extent of the Damage
One of the worst-hit areas was a residential complex in Veda Street, near Enkeldoorn Street, where multiple buildings sustained major structural damage. Strong winds ripped off corrugated iron roofs, dislodged external geysers, and caused significant water damage as rain seeped into the exposed units.
Residents had to be evacuated from upper floors and were temporarily sheltered in neighboring units. Tshwane’s Disaster Management officials are currently assessing the full extent of the damage and determining the necessary support for affected families.
Other areas affected by flooding include Mabopane and other parts of Pretoria North, where emergency teams were dispatched to assist stranded residents.
Warnings and Safety Precautions
Authorities are urging residents to take extreme precautions as storms continue to impact the region. Mnguni provided the following safety tips:
⚠️ Stay indoors during severe storms and avoid metal objects that may attract lightning.
⚠️ Avoid outdoor activities like fishing or playing golf in stormy conditions.
⚠️ Do not seek shelter under trees or tall objects, as they can attract lightning.
⚠️ Motorists should drive carefully, as roads are slippery and visibility is poor.
⚠️ Avoid low-lying areas, especially near bridges and rivers prone to flooding.
⚠️ Monitor water levels and move to higher ground if rising water is observed.
⚠️ Stay updated by following weather reports and alerts from the South African Weather Service (SAWS).
City of Tshwane on High Alert
With more heavy rain expected, the Tshwane Emergency Services Department will continue monitoring the situation and responding to emergencies. Residents are urged to stay informed, follow weather updates, and report any incidents to emergency services immediately.
The impact of this tornado highlights the growing frequency of extreme weather events in South Africa. While no injuries have been reported, the extensive damage to infrastructure and homes underscores the need for improved disaster preparedness and climate resilience.
Stay safe and keep an eye on weather alerts as storms continue to affect the region.
