The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has appealed, based on its own initial assessment, for the declaration of a Local State of Disaster in the eThekwini metropolitan area in line with “Processes for the Classification and Declaration of a State of Disaster” as outlined in the National Disaster Management Framework.

This after a Tornado ploughed through Tongaat and surrounding areas last Monday.

It is reported that, to date, there have been about 10 fatalities and countless hospitalisations and injuries.

The commission’s preliminary inspections reveal that about 1 500 persons have been displaced and 20 schools in the area have reportedly been damaged.

The SAHRC explains that there is widescale destruction to public infrastructure, including power and cell phone towers, and bridges. The damage and demolition to the environment is extensive.

In addition, hundreds have lost their personal belongings, including homes, vehicles, and important documents such as identity documents and education materials. Livestock have also reportedly been affected.

The financial cost of the disaster is still undetermined.

However, the Commission explained that its magnitude far exceeds the ability of the affected persons and families to recover using only their own resources.

The Commission explained that following its initial evaluation, it believes that the occurrence of the tornado can be classified as a disaster in terms of the Disaster Management Act (DMA).

The SAHRC has written to the Head of the eThekwini Disaster Management Centre, and the Head of the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC) to relay its initial observations, and to request a copy of the initial on-site assessment report on the disaster.

The Commission noted that Section 49 of the DMA states that in the event of a disastrous occurrence, the local Disaster Management Centre of the affected municipality must immediately conduct an assessment.

“…it is advised that the initial assessment should be conducted within 72 hours following the occurrence of an incident, and its results must be submitted to the relevant Provincial, and National Disaster Management Centre,” it explained.

In terms of Section 23 of the DMA, the outcomes of the initial on-site assessment indicate whether the occurrence can be classified as disastrous in nature or not, and whether it should be declared as a Disaster by the NDMC.

The SAHRC said it has written to the Head of the eThekwini Disaster Management Centre, and the Head of the NDMC to relay its initial observations, and to request a copy of the initial on-site assessment report on the disaster.

The Commission also expressed concerns about reports of criminal activities in the affected areas, as power has not yet been restored in many parts, and many personal belongings are not secured.