KZN floods wreak havoc, prompting 56 households to relocate

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After homes collapsed due to heavy flooding in Umlazi’s Section H, 56 households are urgently relocated to safer ground. The floods, which struck on 25 April 2025, left widespread destruction across the township.

Several residents were rushed to hospitals and clinics. Tragically, one member of the Madondo family died after a house collapsed in P Section, according to the KZN MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Armstrong Duma.

Other areas include Chicago in the AA section, the J Section, and Ward 78 near KwaMgaga High School, where homes were destroyed, leaving residents homeless and vulnerable amid ongoing rain.

The MEC announced plans to visit affected communities and offer condolences.

Government responds to crisis

In a statement issued by the Ethekwini Municipality on 2 May, Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane and her team visited the area. She emphasised the need for a long-term solution, stating: ‘Based on what I have seen, relocation of these households would be the best solution.

“Based on what I have seen, relocation of these households would be the best solution,” said Minister Simelane.

While the assessment is conducted, the immediate task is to relocate about 56 families to Temporary Emergency Accommodation.

Temporary relief for affected households

The Ethekwini municipality further reported that affected households will be given permanent housing on land provided by the City and the Provincial Department of Human Settlements.

In addition to evaluating house delivery, the leadership also went to the Thubalethu Informal Settlement Project in Mthonjaneni.

To support recovery efforts, R19 million has been allocated for water infrastructure construction in the region, with an additional R61 million earmarked for bulk water services, according to the statement issued by Ethekwini Municipality.