KZN still on full alert after storm

KwaZulu-Natal disaster teams remained on high alert yesterday following destruction caused by tropical storm Irina since Saturday.

Four people died in an accident at the weekend as a result of the bad weather, while Phumaphi Makhaye's legs were broken when a wall collapsed on her in Jozini.

Four people who were washed away while trying to cross a flooded river in Mtubatuba were rescued. Torrential rains were reduced to a drizzle and about 53mm of rain fell in KwaDlangezwa.

Gale force winds continued to blow across the province, ripping out trees in its wake. Roads, particularly in rural areas, were badly damaged and many schools remained closed yesterday.

The SA Weather Service said Irina had moved 400km off the coast of Durban but that it would reach the province again by Thursday.

Although no major incidents were reported yesterday, the provincial government kept its disaster response and all emergency officers on full alert.

Department of Cooperative Governance spokesman Vernon Mchunu said in the Empangeni and Zululand areas at least 48 families were affected by the rainstorm, while six families had to be relocated to community halls after their homes were completely destroyed.