Umlazi mudslide: child buried alive survives ‘through grace of God’

The community of Umlazi, south-west of Durban, is in shock after a mudslide destroyed homes in the area.

At least six people were hospitalised and seven others were left homeless after a mudslide destroyed two homes in P Section on Friday.

One person was believed to have been killed in the incident but officials were later told the deceased woman had died of causes unrelated to the mudslide.

Hotels for survivors

Provincial leaders are on the ground coordinating relief efforts which include finding the survivors temporary accommodation.

KZN transport and human settlements spokesperson Ndabezinhle Sibiya confirmed six people had been treated in hospital and will be accommodated at a hotel in central Durban.

Five females are among the survivors, as well as a child who will have a miraculous story to tell.   

“A child was buried alive but survived through the grace of God,” Sibiya said.

There are more residents who escaped uninjured but will still require assistance after their homes were destroyed.

“There are seven community members who are still going to be accommodated and the department of human settlements at the national and provincial level is working flat out to ensure those affected are provided with comfort and decent accommodation,” Sibiya added.

Minister Simelane thanked

Transport and human settlements MEC Siboniso Duma praised human settlements minister Thembi Simelane for the department’s quick response to the incident.

“Together with the mayor of eThekwini Cyril Xaba and ward 85 councillor Sphelele Nene will continue to be on the side of the affected communities,” said Duma.

“There is commitment to sustain this integrated approach involving the national government, provincial government and eThekwini municipality, with the mayor also playing a critical role.”

Simelane will next week visit the area to assess the damage caused by the heavy rains of recent weeks.

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