Tornado strikes pretoria, leaving trail of destruction
A tornado that swept through Montana, Pretoria, on Tuesday evening has caused significant damage to buildings and vehicles, forcing the evacuation of numerous residents. Emergency services responded swiftly to the disaster, working through the night to assess the damage and ensure the safety of affected individuals.
TORNADO IN PRETORIA LEAVES BUILDINGS DAMAGED
According to the City of Tshwane Emergency Services Department, the tornado, which struck Montana in the northern part of Pretoria, was reported to the Emergency Communication Centre (ECC) on February 18, 2025. Firefighters and officials from the Disaster Risk Management Section were dispatched to the scene, where they found widespread destruction.
The tornado uprooted trees and tore off corrugated iron roofing sheets from buildings, carports, and other structures along Sefako Makgatho Drive. Many properties suffered extensive damage, leaving residents in distress and in need of immediate assistance.
EVACUATIONS FOLLOWING SEVERE DAMAGE
In the wake of the storm, the emergency services department coordinated evacuations for residents in buildings that had suffered severe structural damage. A residential complex on Veda Street near Enkeldoorn Street was particularly hard-hit, with upper floors and roofs bearing the brunt of the destruction.
External geysers and roofing materials were ripped from buildings by the force of the wind, leaving many structures exposed to heavy rainfall. As a result, water damage further compromised the integrity of these buildings, making them uninhabitable.
Authorities confirmed that affected residents were temporarily relocated to neighboring units while disaster management officials conducted further assessments. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported despite the severity of the incident.
FLOODING AND SAFETY WARNINGS ISSUED
In addition to tornado damage, reports of flooding emerged from Mabopane and Pretoria North, raising concerns over further risks to residents. The City of Tshwane has urged the public to exercise extreme caution and adhere to safety protocols during adverse weather conditions.
SAFETY MEASURES TO FOLLOW
To minimize risks and protect lives, authorities have issued the following safety recommendations:
- Stay indoors and avoid contact with metal objects during storms.
- Refrain from outdoor activities that may expose individuals to lightning.
- Avoid seeking shelter under isolated trees or tall structures.
- Drive cautiously on wet roads with reduced visibility.
- Move to higher ground if water levels begin to rise.
- Avoid bridges or low-lying roads prone to flooding.
Residents who need emergency assistance are encouraged to report incidents by calling 107 (toll-free) or 012 358 6300/6400. Callers should provide clear location details and contact information to facilitate a swift response.
COMMUNITY RESPONSE AND NEXT STEPS
Disaster management teams remain on-site, working diligently to assess the full extent of the damage and provide aid where necessary. The local government has assured residents that all efforts are being made to restore affected areas and support those displaced by the tornado.
As Pretoria recovers from this natural disaster, authorities continue to monitor weather conditions and urge citizens to stay alert and prioritize safety. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Gleb Perov is the founder and chief meteorologist of POGODNIK, a leading weather forecasting service in Eastern Europe. With over 15 years of hands-on experience in meteorology and climate analysis, he has worked private weather services.
Gleb is the author of numerous scientific and analytical publications on climate, magnetic storms, and atmospheric processes. He regularly collaborates with major international agencies such as NOAA, ECMWF.
