Death toll increases to seven

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KZN MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) Thulasizwe Buthelezi, has expressed his condolences as the death toll due to inclement weather has increased to seven.

KwaZulu-Natal was battered by heavy rains and severe storms which caused significant damage to infrastructure and people’s houses leaving others homeless and displaced.

INCLEMENT WEATHER IN KZN CLAIMS SEVEN LIVES

KZN Cogta spokesperson Senzelwe Mzila said six people died in eThekwini Metro, where homes collapsed due to mudslides.

In eShoba, under the Abaqulusi Local Municipality, the body of a young learner swept away while crossing a river was recovered on Friday morning by search and rescue teams.

Some of the damage caused by heavy rainfall in KZN. Image: Supplied

MEC Buthelezi has extended his condolences to the families of:

• Lindokuhle Mthembu (13-year-old male) from Nsimbini, Emmanuel Nkwanyana (45-year-old male) from KwaMakhutha, Alwande Sihlelelwe (12-year-old female) from Demat and the family of a 13-year-old female from eFolweni.

• Mlungisi Mhlongo (44-year-old male) and Sphindile Mhlongo (41-year-old female) from Adams Mission.

KZN MEC for Transport and Human Settlements Sboniso Duma and eThekwini Municipality mayor Xaba assessing the damage caused by inclement weather conditions in Adams. Image: Supplied

DISASTER MANAGEMENT TEAMS CONDUCT MOP-UP OPERATIONS

Mzila said disaster management teams have been deployed to start mop-up operations as several towns, including Durban, Ladysmith, and Newcastle, have experienced flooding, affecting roads and infrastructure.

“Affected communities are receiving support from the provincial government, working with social partners and line function departments.

“These departments, including Human Settlements and Social Development, are providing assistance and resources. The Provincial Disaster Management Centre is monitoring weather conditions and focusing on high-risk areas to ensure responses and resource allocation,” Mzila said.

With further rainfall expected this weekend, MEC Buthelezi has urged residents to be vigilant. “We are appealing to communities to be cautious. The ground is saturated, increasing the risk of flooding in low-lying areas. The weather can change quickly, so it’s important to be prepared.”