A report from the South African Weather Service highlighted that over the past weekend, scattered showers and thunderstorms were to be expected over KwaZulu-Natal. Some of the thunderstorms were said to have the potential to become severe.
AbaQulusi Local Municipality was also included as one of the places that would likely be affected by the bad weather conditions. On Friday afternoon, Vryheid and surrounds experienced heavy rainfall that caused flooding in some areas.
A report issued by Kwazulu Private Ambulance Service mentioned that, on Friday night, they responded to three incidents where vehicles were washed off low-level bridges. SAPS Search & Rescue, along with AbaQulusi Fire & Rescue and Kwazulu Private Ambulance Rescue, worked tirelessly to bring four patients to safety. The patients were treated on scene before being transported to hospital for further medical attention.
KwaZulu Private Ambulance Service area manager Frikkie Bekker commented that, “With multiple rescues, it became absolutely humbling to realise that we are one giant community serving each other. As an emergency services worker in a small rural environment, it was great to see different people from different backgrounds coming together for one goal, ie saving lives. I realised on the way back how blessed we are to have each other and to have a community that comes together. We are blessed beyond compare with safety and success in our endeavours. To the rest of the ‘team’ that held lines and pulled ropes, thank you.”
Operation Sukuma Sakhe (OSS) secretary Phumlani Mchunu said, “I would like to convey a message of gratitude to the SAPS, EMRS, Kwazulu Ambulance Service, AbaQulusi Disaster, and the community for assisting people affected by heavy rain, as three vehicles were washed away by heavy water at Bhekuzulu Location bridges and Nkongolwane. Because of the rapid response by the stakeholders, all were rescued.” Mr Mchunu then urged the community at large to stay safe, as the weather is still bad in AbaQulusi.
ALSO READ:VRYHEID KZN: Heavy rains, with possible flooding, expected in KZN this weekend
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