Six killed in KZN heavy rains, residents buried by mudslides [watch]

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KZN heavy rains have claimed six lives after it led to devastating mudslides in parts of the province.

The inclement weather caused some buildings to collapse, property damage and significant flooding, reported The Citizen on 20 February 2025. A couple tragically lost their lives after houses collapsed in KwaMakhutha south of Durban, on Wednesday.

KZN HEAVY RAINS CLAIM SIX LIVES

Speaking to Newzroom Afrika on 20 February, KZN MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, confirmed the tragic incidents. He also extended his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives.

“Starting on a very sombre note, to extend our condolences to the families that lost loved ones in KwaMakhutha.

“A total of six people have passed away since last night due to the heavy rains in Durban, especially in areas like Umlazi, KwaMakhutha [and] Isipingo.

“Even three family members lost their lives when the house collapsed on top of them and others through a mudslide. A young child was swept away by a river in Eshowe,” he said.

RESIDENTS BURIED BY MUDSLIDES AFTER KZN HEAVY RAINS

Garrith Jamieson, Spokesperson of ALS Paramedics, detailed how families were buried by mudslides in a video shared on their Facebook page.

“In the first instance, a bank tore through the home in which a family – mother, father and two children – were inside. Fortunately, the children managed to escape, but the parents were buried under the sand and rubble.

“ALS paramedics together with South African Police Service (SAPS) police rescue and the security fire department are currently on the scene of a structural collapse.

“At this house, as you can see, the bank collapsed from behind and pretty much destroyed this house. It is believed that a mother and a father are entrapped in this wreckage or in this rubble,” Jamieson explained.