Six dead, two missing after recent rains in northern KZN

Six people across uMkhanyakude, King Cetshwayo, uMzinyathi and Amajuba districts lost their lives in the recent heavy rains

This as disaster management teams remain on high alert as bad weather conditions persist.

ALSO READ: WATCH: Why motorists should never cross a low-level bridge in flood

According to the KZN Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta), a total of 139 homes were destroyed and 158 partially damaged.

Two people have been reported missing.

“We extend our condolences to the families of Nokulunga Mchunu (22) and Thulani Mabaso (52), both from Danhausser; Thobile Innocentia Hadebe (39) from eNdumeni; Skhulile Msweli (25) from Mtubatuba; Lindani Dlamini (17) from Jozini, and the family of the three-month-old infant from Newcastle,” said Cogta MEC Bongi Sithole-Moloi.

“Nkonzo Moses Buthelezi (37) and Nomathemba Caroline Buthelezi (42), both from eNdumeni, were swept away while attempting to cross a flooded river. Disaster management personnel are still conducting search operations,” she said.

A state of national disaster has been proclaimed, which will allow the reprioritisation of resources to the devastation caused by the heavy rains.

“In terms of public infrastructure, roads and bridges across the province have been mostly affected. These include both gravel and black-top roads,” said Sithole-Moloi.

“Unfortunately, there does not seem to be an end in sight as the South African Weather Service has warned that the rains are set to continue throughout the [remainder of] summer.”

Residents are urged to exercise caution:

• Do not try to cross flooded rivers, whether by car or on foot
• Stay away from river banks
• To those with homes along river banks, do not wait for the river to overflow before seeking safer shelter
• Share weather warnings among the communities, including with school-going children
• Do not drive when it is not safe to do so; rather wait for the rain to subside before continuing with your travel
• Water-proof your yard by making channels for the water to pass through.

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