The roof of Regina Mundi Church in Soweto was partially blown away during a severe storm on Monday afternoon, prompting a response from the City of Johannesburg Emergency Services.
Johannesburg EMS spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi said firefighters responded to two storm-related incidents in Soweto and surrounding areas, with the second incident reported at Reutlwile Secondary School in Molapo, where part of the school’s roof was also blown away.
No injuries were reported in either incident.
Mulaudzi said specialised emergency teams would remain on high alert overnight as the city prepares for possible further emergencies.
The teams include the Search and Rescue Unit and the Swift Water Rescue Unit, which remain on standby to respond to incidents that may arise during the night.
Residents have been urged to exercise caution and report life-threatening emergencies to the City of Johannesburg Emergency Management Services Command and Control Centre.
“Residents are encouraged to call our Emergency Management Services Command and Control Centre on 011 375 5911 for any life-threatening emergencies,” Mulaudzi said.
A Durban North resident had the roof of his home damaged after lightning struck on Sunday evening.
During the storm, lightning struck a brick chimney on the roof, causing bricks to break off and scatter into the swimming pool, a neighbouring property and onto a patio awning. The ceiling inside the house was also damaged.
Rodney Ruddy said he was watching a movie on television at about 9pm on Sunday when he heard a loud bang. The electricity supply went off, and the alarm was triggered.
“My wife and I were in shock. We tried to find our way around in the dark when the neighbour phoned me. He told me that my roof was on fire. Thankfully, the fire department arrived, and the fire did not spread extensively,” Ruddy said.
He went upstairs and found that the ceiling boards in two rooms had collapsed. The rooms were unoccupied while the other had arts and craft items on tables. The patio roof was also damaged when a brick fell through it. The chimney had been sealed with concrete many years ago, he added.