Seven people died, including children, and one person critically injured, when they were struck by lighting in Mpumazi, Eshowe, on Sunday afternoon, says the KwaZulu Natal ministry for Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs.
MEC Nomusa Dube said a high powered team of disaster experts were dispatched to the area.
They were struck while in their houses, but further details of the incident were not still not known.
The deceased are members of the Mahaye family; Velephi, 60, Aphiliswa, 2, and Senamile, 3; the Cele family; Edith, 57, Nokuzola, 37, Lindani,12 and Thandolwethue, 2. One member of the Cele family is in a critical condition in Eshowe hospital.
"We are deeply disturbed to learn of this incident. For us as government as well as for all those who have fallen victim to this catastrophe, either directly or indirectly, this is no way to start a new year...Many people across the world are still enjoying the holidays and the festivities, now we hear of this...As government, we will do all we can to help the survivors and to ensure that the deceased are honoured with a dignified burial," Dube said.
Various government officials will visit the area on Monday morning.
In November last year seven other people died in Pongola, when a marquee housing them and 71 others was struck by lightning during a Christmas party at a local crèche.
Forty of the 71 people were also injured.
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