Six dead, two missing, 139 homes destroyed in KZN after downpours

Torrential rain in KwaZulu-Natal has claimed the lives of six people including a three-month-old baby, left two missing and destroyed nearly 140 homes.

The co-operative governance and traditional affairs (Cogta) department in the province said the Umkhanyakude, King Cetshwayo, Umzinyathi and Amajuba districts suffered the most during heavy downpours over the past two days.

“Assessments indicate that 139 homes were destroyed and 158 were partially damaged by the storms. The disaster management teams are continuing with assessments as different areas continue to receive more rain, while the ground is already saturated with water,” said Cogta MEC Bongi Sithole-Moloi.

She said roads and bridges across the province have been affected alongside public infrastructure and roads .

The department identified the dead as 22-year-old Nokulunga Mchunu, Thulani Mabaso, 52, both from Danhausser, Thobile Innocentia Hadebe, 39, from Dundee, Skhulile Msweli, 25, from Mtubatuba, Lindani Dlamini, 17, from Jozini, and a three-month-old Newcastle infant.

“Nkonzo Moses Buthelezi, 37, and Nomathemba Caroline Buthelezi, 42, both from the eNdumeni local municipality in Dundee, were swept away while attempting to cross a flooded river. Disaster management personnel are conducting search operations.”

The cost of the damages is being compiled.

“The president’s proclamation of a state of national disaster will allow affected institutions to reprioritise their finances to better respond to the immediate issues presented by the devastation caused by heavy rains.

“The department continues to engage stakeholders to look for long-term solutions to spatial planning issues that have resulted in recurring incidents in some of the areas.

“Unfortunately there does not seem to be an end in sight as the SA Weather Service has warned that the rains are to continue throughout summer,” said Sithole-Moloi.

The department pleaded with the public to take the weather warnings seriously and exercise the following precautions:

• Do not try to cross flooded rivers, whether by car or on foot.
• Stay away from river banks.
• Those with homes along river banks must not wait for the river to overflow before seeking safer shelter.
• Share weather warnings among the communities including with school-going children.
• Do not drive when it is not safe to do so; wait for the rain to subside before continuing with your travel.
• Water-proof your yard by making channels for the water to pass through.

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