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Hail storm hits Ekurhuleni
A major hailstorm hit parts of Ekurhuleni and Johannesburg and surrounds on Friday, 26 February 2021. The South African Weather Service issued the severe storm warning with large amounts of small hail, strong winds and heavy rainfall. William Ntladi, district manager media liaison for the Ekurhuleni Disaster and Emergency Management Services (DEMS) reported, “Various areas around Ekurhuleni including Alberton were affected by the hail storm, especially Union Hospital. Storm water drain system not far from the trauma unit was blocked by hail (ice) resulting in rain water flowing into the hospital trauma unit and casualty department.”
“Alberton North Informal Settlement was also affected by floods displacing the majority of the residents out of their shacks. The hail covered Acktonville, Benoni industrial site, Benoni CBD, McKenzie-Park and Northmead going into the northern suburbs of Benoni. Lakeside Mall taxi rank was hard hit. The ceilings of Mic-Mic block of flats collapsed due to water that leaked through the roofs into the flats. In Springs, Germiston and Boksburg, we experienced heavy downpours. Fire fighters responded from Alberton Fire Station to the Union Hospital for intervention. On arrival, they managed to clear-up the hail from the storm water drain system to allow water to flow through. The residents of Alberton North informal settlement were assisted by blankets and food parcels after everything they had was soaked in water. In Benoni, the local Benoni fire fighters responded to the taxi rank and Actonville including Northmead. At the taxi rank, ice was cleared from the roads leading out of the rank and taxis started back on their business. All other prone flooding areas around the city were monitored and they responded well in terms water draining systems”, added Ntladi. “The calls were received around 12h30 noon for both areas ie Benoni and Alberton. The calls came in simultaneously. No casualties were recorded on the day.” “Challenges faced included that the toads were covered by hail, which made it difficult to the motorist including fire responding teams. In some instances, individuals had to do their own cleaning. Benoni Fire Station was also affected by hail where the machine-bays leaked as well”, said Ntladi. Source: William Ntladi, district manager media liaison: Ekurhuleni Disaster and Emergency Management Services (DEMS) |
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