The victims of a severe thunderstorm that wreaked havoc in certain areas of the Free State at the beginning of December last year, continue to receive humanitarian aid.
The provincial government, in partnership with non-government entities such as the South African Red Cross Society (Sarcs), is continuing to render aid to those affected.
Continual relief is being provided to these victims through a food and clothing bank, launched on 13 December in Bloemfontein.
The devastating natural incident, which occurred on 6 December, impacted the livelihood of several people residing in the Mangaung Metro Municipality (MMM), and the Thabo Mofutsanyana and Xhariep districts.
In Bloemfontein alone, approximately 147 people were affected. Some houses were left without roofs.
According to the provincial government, 250 people in Bohlokong, Bethlehem, suffered significant damage to their property.
It has further been reported that the storm also caused extensive damage to two stadiums in the area.
The food and clothing bank in Bloemfontein serves as a one-stop centre for donations, where victims can receive assistance while rebuilding their lives.
Sarcs, acting as the daily service provider, hopes to alleviate the plight of those who turn to the bank for help.
Priority is given to the most vulnerable groups, desperate for any relief.
Disaster teams of both the Sarcs and the MMM continue to assess the situation while a lasting solution is sought.
The residents of Bloemfontein who suffered substantial losses to the storm come from Turflaagte, and Phases 5, 6, and 10.
Many of them are now left with no choice but to temporarily stay with close friends or family members while awaiting possible assistance from the provincial government.
