At least 45 people were killed after Monday’s intensive rain, with 2 000 shacks reportedly damaged and 4 000 swept away by the floods. The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) reported the deaths of at least 45 people caused by heavy rain and flooding across the eThekwini region.
At a press briefing on Tuesday afternoon, Mxolisi Kaunda the eThekwini mayor, said many people lost their lives, but the department of co-operative governance and traditional affairs will be releasing the official numbers of the deceased. Sipho Hlomuka, Cogta MEC, confirmed that at least 45 people had died in the eThekwini region alone.
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Hlomuka said the disaster management team is working hard to assist residents who have been trapped as a result of the flooding. “The provincial didaster management centre is working with the SA National Defence Force and other stakeholders to provide aerial evacuation for those that are trapped including teachers and learners in Tholulwazi Secondary School in Molweni, Durban.”
Msawakhe Mayisela, the eThekwini spokesperson, said more than 2 000 homes were damaged and 4 000 shacks were swept away by the floods. Dylan Meyrick, IPSS Medical Rescue spokesperson, said rescue mission was unable to resume due to the very bad weather. One family called in saying their family member did not return home from work, you could tell they were in distress.
“Due to high water levels and poor visibility, teams were unable to locate the man or his vehicle. Once floodwaters had receded the vehicle was found. Sadly the man was found dead, still in his vehicle.”
Humanitarian aid group Gift of the Givers has been on the ground trying to help the affected people of KwaZulu-Natal.
Source: News24, Daily Maverick, Reuters, The Washington Post, BBC News, image from Daily Maverick of a bridge at Nhlungwane extension washed away
