Two KZN women killed by lightning
2013-02-13 20:53
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Durban - Two women have been killed by lightning in KwaZulu-Natal, the co-operative governance and traditional affairs department said on Wednesday.
Spokesperson Vernon Mchunu said Mildred Ngcobo, 50, burned to death when she was struck by lightning while sitting in a rondavel on Tuesday afternoon in the eMasangweni-amhlophe area of Nquthu Municipality.
Another elderly woman, Maphungula Malinga, was struck by lightning on Sunday night in Msinga, northern KwaZulu-Natal.
Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC Nomusa Dube said the issue of lightning should not be taken lightly.
"The message to all of us, including motorists, is ‘don’t take chances, stay alive'," she said.
Six people were reported missing on Monday after their homes were washed away when the Isibumba river burst its banks and flooded. Two bodies were recovered on Tuesday.
Mchunu said search and rescue teams were still searching for the other four.
Families which had lost their homes were receiving temporary shelter.
Mchunu said 55 people in the province had died since October because of lightning, flooding and drowning.
"A total of 1 382 houses have been totally destroyed since then, with a total of 38 146 people becoming victims of these incidents," he said.
- SAPA
