Numerous Johannesburg residents are facing the aftermath of a powerful hailstorm that struck the city and its environs, resulting in significant destruction, particularly to vehicles and various structures, including carports.
According to a Monday evening report by IOL, residents in Midrand, Fourways, and nearby areas experienced substantial hailstones from approximately 5 pm. The N1 freeway witnessed stranded motorists due to intense downpours. Joburg Emergency Management Services (EMS) spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi, in an interview with Newzroom Afrika, confirmed that despite the chaotic weather, there were no reported fatalities. Mulaudzi noted, “We had only one patient treated for minor injuries in Soweto, and we assisted households in Marlboro dealing with flooded homes. At present, there are no major incidents reported across the City of Johannesburg, and we remain on high alert.”
The significant damage primarily affected vehicles and structures designated for parking. The EMS issued a cautionary advisory to parents, urging them to supervise children and prevent them from playing near potentially flooded rivers and streams post-storm. Mulaudzi emphasized the importance of avoiding river streams during daily activities, and he also urged motorists to exercise caution throughout Johannesburg.
“As a city, all our fire stations are operational, and specialized teams for water-related emergencies or high-alert rescues are in place,” Mulaudzi stated. In a separate report on Monday, IOL highlighted a tragic incident in Doornkop, Soweto, where one person lost their life in a shack fire around 3 am. The victim, a 26-year-old man, reportedly succumbed to smoke inhalation. Mulaudzi mentioned that the cause of the fire is under investigation, with no other injuries reported.
