While the City of uMhlathuze experienced nowhere near the rainfall and subsequent flood damage as that of eThekwini Metro, record rainfall was received and mop-up operations continue.
ALSO READ: 8 ways you can help victims of the #kznfloods
According to the city, within the uMhlathuze municipal area, 22 households were destroyed and more than twice as many damaged after the punishing rains and mudslides.
‘Given the extent and impact of the floods, 34 wards were affected, and the anguish and torment of the Majola family who lost 17-year-old Xolani remains the biggest devastation to the city,’ said the City of uMhlathuze in a statement on Thursday.
‘After visiting the Majola family, council resolved to assist them in the burial of their loved one.’
The city’s acting municipal manager will put together a team to assist the family during this difficult time.
As for rainfall figures, 230mm was recorded in the Richards Bay area between Friday, 8 April and Monday, 11 April, with the biggest deluge experienced between midnight on Sunday, 10 April and 7am on Monday, 11 April.
Almost 120mm of rain was recorded during these seven hours alone.
According to the City of uMhlathuze, expected average high rainfall is between 90mm and 110mm in a 24 hour period.
As reported by the Zululand Observer during the heavy weather, various roads were flooded, including Giraffe View in Veldenvlei, Nkoninga road in Birdswood, and at the ZCBF in Alton.
See Monday’s ZO for a comprehensive report of the extent of flood damage throughout the City of uMhlathuze
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