Storm damages Regina Mundi Church roof in Soweto

On Monday afternoon, a severe storm caused the roof of Regina Mundi Church in Soweto to partially collapse, necessitating a rapid response from the City of Johannesburg Emergency Services. Robert Mulaudzi, a spokesperson for the Johannesburg EMS, reported that firefighters attended to two storm-related incidents in Soweto and the surrounding areas.

The second incident occurred at Rutlwile Secondary School in Molapo, where a portion of the school's roof was also damaged. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in either incident. Emergency teams, including the Search and Rescue Unit and the Swift Water Rescue Unit, remained on heightened alert overnight as the city prepared for potential future emergencies.

Residents were advised to exercise caution and report any life-threatening emergencies to the City of Johannesburg Emergency Management Services Command and Control Centre. Mulaudzi instructed residents to call 011 375 5911 for assistance during such situations.

Meanwhile, a resident in Durban North experienced roof damage when lightning struck his home on Sunday evening. The lightning hit a brick chimney on the roof, causing bricks to break off and scatter into the neighbor's swimming pool, property, and a patio awning. The ceiling inside the house also sustained damage. Rodney Ruddy, the affected resident, was watching television at around 9 pm when he heard a loud bang.

The power supply went off, and the alarm was triggered. Initially in shock, Ruddy and his wife tried to navigate in the dark until a neighbor informed him that his roof was on fire. Emergency services arrived promptly, and the fire was contained without further spreading. Ruddy discovered that two ceiling boards had collapsed in unoccupied rooms, while another room contained arts and craft items.

Additionally, a brick fell through the patio roof, damaging it. The chimney, which had been reinforced with concrete years prior, contributed to the damage.