The Eastern Cape Health Department says contingency measures are in place after strong winds caused damage to health facilities in several parts of the province.
Department spokesperson, Mkululi Ndamase, says the roofs of the Cofinvaba maternity and paediatrics wards were blown away, while damage was also caused to clinics in Zwelitsha and Unit 12 in Mdantsane in Buffalo City Metro.
He said a section of the roof at Nkqubela TB Hospital in East London was also blown away while minor damage was also caused to three clinics also in Buffalo City.
Ndamase said part of the roof at the pharmacy at the Nompumelelo Hospital at Peddie was blown away, but he said the medicine supply was not affected.
Eastern Cape Health MEC, Nomakhosazana Meth said the contingency plans were in place in the affected facilities.
“We are happy that no one was hurt during this natural disaster. We are thankful to the staff for their quick action in transferring the four patients to All Saints Hospital for continued care.
“We will continue to monitor the situation throughout the province and work with the relevant stakeholders,” she said.
The EC Health Department said there were no reports of damage to Alfred Nzo, Joe Gqabi, Sarah Baartman, and Nelson Mandela Bay Districts.
Meanwhile, Buffalo City Municipality reported at least one fatality following the strong winds, while Makana Municipality also reported damage to houses in Makhanda.
