A large-scale rescue operation was launched in Newcastle, KZN, after flash flooding triggered by torrential rain left two care facilities severely damaged and dozens of elderly and disabled residents trapped yesterday afternoon.

The Witness reports that KZN Private Ambulance Service, firefighters and local rescue units responded to multiple distress calls from the LA Gratitude Retirement Facility and the Cripple Care Facility, where floodwaters quickly engulfed the ground floors.

KZN Private Ambulance Service spokesperson Craig Botha says torrents of water overwhelmed the area’s stormwater systems, turning access roads into rivers and forcing rescuers to wade through waist-deep water to reach stranded residents.

Structural damage

Botha said preliminary reports indicated significant structural damage at both facilities. Roofs in the frail care wings were damaged, causing water to stream into residential units.

The ground-floor units at both facilities experienced severe flooding, with water levels creating a substantial risk to the elderly and physically disabled residents. Frail residents were relocated to dry sections of the facilities.

The KZN Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) confirmed that disaster management teams had been dispatched to Newcastle.

According to Cogta, parts of the Newcastle CBD were also affected, and several roads were closed last night.

MEC Thulasizwe Buthelezi urged residents in and around Newcastle to exercise extreme caution, especially when travelling, and to follow the instructions of emergency personnel.

Click the image to watch the video. Video: Newcastle Advertiser

Extreme weather

This localised incident comes against a backdrop of broader adverse weather conditions across the province. The South African Weather Service has forecast inclement weather in KZN for today and parts of tomorrow, with the potential for heavy rain.

Buthelezi added that the incoming weather system could worsen the flooding in Newcastle and impact other vulnerable areas across KZN.

In response to the forecast, disaster management teams across the province have been placed on high alert and are closely monitoring conditions to ensure rapid response capabilities are maintained.

Residents are urged to remain vigilant, avoid unnecessary travel, and stay informed through official government communication channels.

Assessments are underway to determine the full extent of the damage.

Click the image to view the video. Video: Newcastle Advertiser/Facebook.

Roads closed

Northern Natal News reported that traffic officials had closed most roads leading into the Newcastle central business district yesterday and urged motorists to avoid the area. The intersection of Boundary and Bird streets was inaccessible.

Community WhatsApp groups were flooded with reports from residents whose homes and properties were waterlogged.

The Newcastle CPF issued a safety warning, stating: “Dear community. It is not necessary for you to leave your homes to view the town. Please remain indoors. Only leave if it is an emergency. We urge all residents to please remain at home. Thank you, CPF Newcastle.”

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