And what a wet week it’s been for the coast!
On Tuesday, rescue services together with volunteers, saved the lives of 12 people, including children, in the flooded area of Melville on the KZN South Coast during the course of the day.
It’s been a rough, wet few days for those living on the coastal stretch of the KZN South Coast.
Since Friday last week, communities were hit with torrential rainfall, followed by gusts of wind yesterday.
President Cyril Ramaphosa visited KwaZulu-Natal yesterday (Wednesday) in the wake of the devastating floods that have so far claimed at least 253 lives and displaced countless residents, while laying waste to roads and bridges.
KwaZulu-Natal authorities are counting the cost while homes, businesses, roads, bridges as well as electricity and water infrastructure have been damaged or destroyed.
Storm Report SA, said that in comparison severe tropical storm Demoina in 1984 killed 242 making this weekend’s event one of South Africa’s most deadly weather events.
On Tuesday, rescue services together with volunteers, saved the lives of 12 people, including children, in the flooded area of Melville on the KZN South Coast during the course of the day.
Selvan Chetty, chairman of the Tweni Community Police Forum, thanked the many volunteers for their tireless and brave efforts in coming to the aid of people, who had become stranded due to the flooding.
“Volunteers from National Sea Rescue Institute, various CPF and non-profit organisations have stepped in to assist, together with helpful staff from Ray Nkonyeni Municipality.”
Chetty said the rescue operation in Melville was dangerous, and he praised the K9 Search and Rescue team, NSRI Station 20, Medevac and RNM Fire Department for their extraordinary service.
He said rescue efforts started from early this morning in areas where they were most needed.
“What a week! Helping people, co-coordinating responses and calls for assistance,” he said.
Rudi Prinsloo from NSRI Station 20 said they had a busy day, responding and assisting people who were stuck in flooded areas along the coast, as far as Ifafa.
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