Residents of Montana North in Pretoria are grappling with the destructive aftermath of a tornado that struck the area on the evening of February 18, 2025.
As the strong winds swept across the region, significant destruction was reported, particularly in a Veda Street residential complex, where upper floors and roofs bore the brunt of the storm's fury.
The City of Tshwane Emergency Services Department responded promptly, sending emergency teams with firefighters from the Fire and Rescue Operations Division and officials from the Disaster Risk Management Section to assess the situation.
According to spokesperson Lindsay Zwelithini Mnguni, the incident was initially logged as flooding at approximately 6pm, triggering an immediate deployment of various firefighting resources from three fire stations: Innesdale, Wonderboom, and Rosslyn.
“Upon arrival, the firefighters found out that there was significant damage caused by the storm, which uprooted some trees and blew away the corrugated iron roof sheets of the buildings, carports, and other structures in the area along the Sefako Makgatho Drive. The residential complex on Veda Street near Enkeldoorn Street was badly affected as several of the buildings within the complex suffered major damage, especially on the upper floors and the roofs, as external geysers and corrugated iron roof sheets were brought to the ground by the strong wind, leaving the structures of the units exposed to the falling rain.’’
Flooding reports have also emerged from other areas, such as Mabopane, where more fire and rescue units were dispatched to assist those affected.
The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Velenkosini Hlabisa, has called on all South Africans to maintain awareness as heavy rains continue across multiple regions of the country.
“While our dedicated teams are on high alert, the first line of defence is always preparedness. We urge South Africans to not take risks, avoid flooded roads, stay informed, and follow official warnings. The safety of all South Africans during this time remains a priority,” said Hlabisa.
Hlabisa also detailed that the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC) is actively monitoring the situation and coordinating response efforts with provincial and local authorities to ensure a swift and effective response to any emergencies.
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has also issued warnings of ongoing heavy showers since Sunday, affecting the North West, Gauteng, the northern Free State, the Highveld areas of Mpumalanga, and southwestern Limpopo. Rainfall accumulations of 20 to 50 millimetres (mm) are expected, with cooler daytime temperatures prevailing in these regions.
In light of these recent weather events, authorities are urging communities to remain vigilant. Key safety measures include:
– Staying indoors and avoiding metal objects, particularly during thunderstorms.
– Avoiding outdoor activities that may attract lightning, such as fishing or playing golf.
= Not seeking shelter under isolated trees or tall structures during storms.
– Exercising caution on slippery roads and in low-visibility conditions.
– Moving to higher ground when witnessing rising water levels and avoiding travel in low-lying areas.
Community members are also encouraged to report emergencies promptly and to assist vulnerable individuals, such as the elderly and children, in taking necessary precautions. Communities are also urged to regularly monitor news broadcasts, radio bulletins, and official social media pages for real-time updates and alerts.
Saturday Star