KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli expressed his condolences to the families affected by floods in New Hanover in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands where a body was recovered on Monday and two other people remain missing after severe storms lashed uMshwathi Local Municipality on Sunday.

“Three people went missing, and sadly one body has been recovered,” Premier Ntuli said.

He said the victims were living in cottages built on the riverbank and they were swept away when the flood waters rose.

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families affected and to all those assisting in the recovery efforts.”

The Premier urged residents to heed weather warnings and government alerts. “We have repeatedly highlighted the need to relocate structures in flood-prone areas. If these warnings had been acted upon, perhaps lives could have been saved. Our teams are on the ground working with other centres to search for the remaining bodies, remove the recovered body, and ensure people’s safety in the area.”

He also addressed the broader impact of the floods on property and infrastructure.

“A number of properties were affected, and we hope to receive a full report on the extent of the damage before the end of today. We are encouraging residents to remain alert as rains continue, to listen carefully to advisories from the South African Weather Service, municipalities, and government departments, and to take action to protect themselves and their families.”

Premier Ntuli further highlighted the need for municipal preparedness. “We are urging municipalities to urgently repair and maintain stormwater drainage systems to prevent further damage and loss of life during floods.”

Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, KZN MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta), said earlier on Monday: 

“We are deeply saddened by this tragic loss of life and extend our sincerest condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased,” he said.

“The provincial government mourns with you. Our dedicated search and rescue teams are working around the clock, under difficult conditions, to locate the two individuals still unaccounted for.”

Disaster Management teams have been deployed across the uMgungundlovu District in the KZN Midlands to assess damage.

Officials said preliminary surveys show multiple residential properties have been severely damaged or destroyed, with informal settlements in flood-prone areas worst affected. As the department put it, “Disaster Management teams are currently conducting comprehensive rapid assessments across the uMgungundlovu District to quantify the full extent of the destruction.”

The provincial response has been coordinated under a multi-sectoral relief plan that MEC Buthelezi said is already in motion.

“We have activated a multi-sectoral relief plan focused on providing immediate humanitarian assistance,” he said.

He said the measures included:

– Providing essential supplies to affected households

– Co-ordinating short-term housing solutions for displaced families in consultation with line function departments.

Authorities emphasised that although South African Weather Service alerts are easing from Level 5 and Level 4, the risk to the public remains.

The KZN Cogta department warned: “The public is urged to exercise the utmost caution and not, under any circumstances, attempt to cross low-lying bridges or swollen rivers.” Residents were also asked to follow directions from disaster management and traffic officials on the ground.

Relief teams are distributing essential supplies and arranging temporary accommodation for families displaced by the floods. The immediate priority, officials said, remains the intensive search for the two missing individuals while relief and assessment work continues.

THE MERCURY

Source link