Durban Storm Aftermath Part Two
Your home is severely damaged by flash floods - concrete blocks, bricks and mud ripping your home apart, two of your vehicles buried under the rubble, one a total write-off, and you say:
I feel so lucky and blessed, some people have lost so much more!
WOW, what a big heart!
About two weeks ago I was telling everyone about the dreadful storms we had here in Durban - Durban Storm Aftermath at Lily's Cottage.
Cars and homes lost, and some sadly even lost their lives, either with cars being swept off low lying bridges and some on foot when they had to abandon their cars because of rising floodwaters!
That statement by the home owner made me bow my head and say a little prayer of thanks as we suffered so little damage in that stormy weather!
As I told everyone in that post, we received a call from a lady looking for accommodation for family who lost their home in the storm.
Fortunately we could accommodate them in our self catering airbnb called Lily's Cottage and extend their stay till they found suitable alternative accommodation.
Funny how things worked out as we were fully booked from mid-month until month-end but had this gap in our calendar so could help them out!
The rubble hit the wall of their son's bedroom.
How could a solid brick house be destroyed by a storm? Very easy when a massive retaining wall collapses and concrete and mud mows everything down on its slide downhill!
The first thing to be hit was their son's bedroom wall; he was asleep at the time. Miraculously he was unharmed - a tall wardrobe fell over his bed, literally saving his life!
Their car was parked right next to this wall and is still buried under the rubble while they wait for the insurance company to get the ball rolling so the site can be cleared.
Total carnage!
Three quarter of their home is damaged, so now they also have to wait and see the extent of the damage to the foundations as they may very well have to rebuild their home from scratch!
Initially they could not even go back inside as the house is on a steep site and was making all kinds of creaking noises. The possibility of further mudslides loomed like a dark cloud with everything still wet and the soil waterlogged, with water still trickling down the hill.
We are aware of the likelihood of sudden and unexpected flash floods as a result of climate change, but only when one sees the impact this has on someone you know that the reality sinks in!
Flash floods further are a bigger threat when the local authorities do not maintain storm water systems, which played a big role here.
This family told me that this was the second tragedy in that home as they lost their daughter there about two years ago and now feel they should just rebuild the home, sell up and move somewhere else.
But there were precious mementos inside that home that were destroyed and those can never be replaced!
Edit to my post, site clearing commenced today and this is what their car looks like, horrendous!
What this all has shown me is the amazing strength that sits inside each of us when disaster strikes plus how people stand together and help one another!
Original Content by @lizelle
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That looks horrendous! I didn't know about these storms. In Scotland we have lots of bad weather, but we rarely get anything like this (the last major storm was in 1969). I'm sorry to hear you suffered so much damage to your home, and I can't imagine what it must have been like for this family. It's lovely that you were able to help them, and awe-inspiring that they are viewing this near-tragedy in such a positive light.
Thanks @natubat, these intense flash storms do not happen that often, our home was not damaged though, only the guests that made use of our accommodation. All we had, were a couple of sinkholes. Thank goodness for that!
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After a home has been damaged to this extent one cannot blame them for considering moving away.
So many sitting without the clothing on their backs with everything washed away, unless news like this keeps in front of people continuously they forget when another piece of news comes along.
Reminders like this are all around is, communities struggling to accept damages and destruction like this can happen to anyone.
It really was a hectic storm, cannot imagine how these people and others felt suffering such massive losses, very scary what water can do!
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What an ordeal @lizelle. I am glad that this family was able to find shelter with you.
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Gosh thank you so much @fionasfavourites, really appreciate the support. It was a horrendous ordeal, we were just glad we could help a little!
Nice post of a horrible experience!! Thanks for helping the people out under difficult circumstances. We can always be grateful for all we have and that we are safe and sound.
Definitely thankful that we are safe and sound. Apparently as they've been digging out that car, more mud and debris come tumbling down. The lady sent me a new photo last night, looks terrible! I may do a follow up when they start rebuilding. They've been sharing my post with their family and friends.
Thank you for commenting @rynow!
So sad to see all that damage and to think about the people affected and the lives lost