The Free State Disaster Management’s Sthembiso Mthombeni confirms about six families were affected when the roofs of their houses were blown away by the storm. They are now at a safe house where they have been placed temporarily. A local school and church were also affected. 

Mthombeni says the heavy storms on Wednesday led to roads being blocked but they are accessible now. 

Meanwhile, the Free State Education Department has confirmed its infrastructure team has been dispersed to the Sehlabeng Secondary School in Ladybrand where a heavy storm blew away the roof of the administration block.

Departmental Spokesperson Howard Ndaba said the department will assess the damage on Thursday and chart a way forward. He says MEC Tate Makgoe has confirmed this is in an effort to avoid the situation from adversely affecting learning and teaching when schools reopen on 15 February.

OFM News