Describing the situation on the ground in various parts of Durban, the Pietermaritzburg-based humanitarian relief organisation said the hour of need is huge.

Also read: Floods: Six dead in Ugu District as KZN number climbs 

“There is massive damage to roads, highways turned into rivers, shipping containers floating on the N2, retaining walls collapsed with people trapped underneath, cars have been washed away, people can’t get to work, health facilities have had to reduce services, religious institutions, as well as many homes, have been damaged, electrical infrastructure is non-functional, streams have become raging rivers and people have lost their lives.”

Gift of the Givers has been providing hot meals, bottled water, blankets and warm clothes, as well as toiletries and diapers to victims in flood-ravaged areas. The organisation is also assisting with donations of food parcels, school uniforms and stationery, and, where the need arises, will consider donating building material to repair schools.

“Our criteria is clear: Roads, bridges, drainage and public infrastructure are a governmental responsibility, though Gift of the Givers will possibly consider schools and health infrastructure for repair. Private homes and businesses should be covered by insurance companies, [whereas] it’s the informal settlements, houses in low-lying locations and the non-insured that are dependent on a compassionate nation to assist them in their hour of distress,” the organisation explained.

The organisation said they have received overwhelming support from the corporate sector. “The calls have been coming in, not from those requesting assistance, but amazingly from corporates wanting to support stricken communities. With all our troubles, frictions and challenges this is indeed an incredible country where the spirit of Ubuntu always takes centre stage and reigns supreme.”

Gift of the Givers teams are awaiting assessments from all over KZN, including areas in the North and South Coast, Durban and Pietermaritzburg.

On Tuesday, the team visited Nkanyezini, where 53 houses were swept away, and Sobantu, in the Umgungundlovu District, where Msunduzi Municipality and Disaster Management were also present. Mattresses and blankets were provided to victims in Nkanyezini, who are being housed in a church.

Anyone wanting to contribute to Gift of the Givers relief efforts can donate into their bank account:

Gift of the Givers

Standard Bank

Account number: 052137228

Branch Code: 057525

Reference: KZN Floods

Please send the deposit slip to donations@giftofthegivers.org for a formal acknowledgement and to request a Section 18A tax-deductible certificate.