Severe storm damages Soweto church and school

A severe storm ripped sections of roofing from a church and school in Soweto on Monday, prompting Johannesburg emergency services to respond to both incidents.

Strong winds damaged the roof of the historic Regina Mundi Church and Reutlwile Junior Secondary School in Molapo on Monday afternoon.

Severe storm damages church and school roofs

According to eNCA, emergency teams attended both locations and began assessing the structural damage and possible risks to nearby residents.

Reutlwile is a public no-fee school, while Regina Mundi is one of Soweto’s most prominent churches.

Johannesburg Emergency Management Services (EMS) spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi confirmed that the storm had partially blown away the roofs of both buildings.

Authorities reported no injuries at either location.

SAWS forecasts thunderstorms

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) had forecast partly cloudy and warm to hot conditions for Monday and Tuesday.

However, the weather service also indicated that isolated to scattered showers and thunderstorms could develop across central and eastern parts of South Africa.

The forecast highlighted the possibility of thunderstorms despite the warm conditions.

Emergency teams respond to storm damage

Johannesburg firefighters responded to both incidents on Monday afternoon.

Mulaudzi said specialised emergency teams, including search and rescue personnel and swift-water rescue units, would remain on high alert in case further emergencies occurred.

Emergency services also urged residents to remain cautious and report life-threatening incidents.