Monday, October 3, 2011

Deadly Tornadoes in South Africa Yesterday...




The above video (taken by Marcelle Muller) shows a large, "stovepipe" tornado moving across a road near Duduza, East Rand in South Africa yesterday evening.  This community is located on the Southeastern outskirts of Johannesburg.


Unfortunately, the tornado continued on into town and destroyed numerous homes:  


The initial death toll was reported at 1, an 8 year old child.  Over 160 people were reported as injured.

Another video of the tornado, captured on a cellphone by Antonica Ndlovu, is shown below:



Another tornado reportedly struck the Ficksburg region later in the day, with reports of "over 1,000 homes destroyed".  Ficksburg is located at the foot of Imperani Mountain.  Tragically, another child was killed in this region as well, this time a 9 year old.  

Thus far, no photos or videos have been revealed that depict the Ficksburg tornado.

Tornadoes, including damaging ones, are not uncommon in South Africa.  The KwaZulu-Natal region has been particularly vulnerable in the past, with 8 killed and over 200 injured in November, 2008 and 1 killed, over 30 injured in November of 2009.

In March of 1999, a tornado that was termed "multiple vortex" tore through the suburbs of Welkom (Free State region), with over 4,000 structures reported as severely damaged or destroyed.


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