Eight killed in Durban storm
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Durban - Eight people were killed and at least 400 houses destroyed in a heavy storm in Durban's Molweni area on Friday.
Families were milling around in the drizzling rain devastated and in disbelief at what had happened.
A resident, Sime Majola said he was in his house when the storm struck.
"I tried to close the door and then the roof came off and when I ran out, the house collapsed behind me," said Majola.
He described the week as being one of the worst in his life because he had lost his job on Wednesday and now his house was in ruins.
Democratic Alliance councillor Tex Collins said the storm was over in about five to six minutes.
"The storm arrived, it was over in a matter of five or six minutes...it was hail, rain and wind. It's as though someone drove a bulldozer though the area," said Collins.
Another resident, Lindiwe Ntshangase, said her house was fine but was concerned about her brother who also lived in a house in the area. She said she was still waiting for him to arrive.
Police earlier said two children were believed to be among the dead. They were apparently killed when houses collapsed, Superintendent Muzi Mngomezulu said.
People were standing outside their houses, loading whatever they could salvage into cars.
A large contingent of police, and rescue and emergency services personnel were at the scene.
KwaZulu-Natal ambulance service staff said at least 100 people were reported to be injured. Of the injured, fifty were described as being in a serious condition.
Several water mains had burst, roof tiles were lifted off, walls had collapsed and trees were blown down.
At a distance one could see a tuckshop which was almost lifted off its side.
Although it was unconfirmed, it was believed this could have been the work a tornado.
Officials were walking around with loud hailers trying to ascertain the damage and assist people.
Meanwhile, in the Shongweni area, telephone poles had been buckled and bowled over by strong winds.
The storm caused a huge traffic back-up in Durban's western areas, including Shongweni.