Recent heavy rains in the Mandeni area near Stanger have wreaked havoc, claiming the lives of two children who drowned and causing considerable damage to houses and infrastructure.

Mandeni Local Municipality disaster officer Sbusiso Sithole reported that at least 77 households had been affected, with nine families forced to seek refuge in the Sibusisiwe community hall since heavy rainfall started on Christmas Eve. More heavy rains hit the area at the weekend.

The municipal assessment team has been unable to get to some of the areas to ascertain the full scope of damage caused.

“Today (Tuesday), we are inspecting all affected areas. Sundumbili Primary School’s administrative block suffered significant damage, with the roof blown away, leading to damage to new stationery. The local clinic also faced challenges as its roof leaked during the heavy downpour,” said Sithole.

On Sunday, a seven-year-old boy drowned while attempting to cross the flooded Enembe River in Sundumbili. The young boy and his 16-year-old sister were reportedly following their uncle through the river.

On December 26, an eight-year-old girl also drowned while attempting to cross the flooded Mandeni River.

The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) has issued a warning, stating rains are expected to persist across parts of the province until Thursday.

Cogta MEC, Bongiwe Sithole-Moloi, extended heartfelt condolences to the family that lost their young boy in Mandeni.

She has called for a comprehensive assessment of the extent of damages and appealed to families to promptly report missing loved ones.

“It is regrettable that we begin the year on such a sad note, having lost another life due to inclement weather. We call for cooperation between the government and our communities to remain vigilant during such disruptive weather events,” said Moloi.