The past week has seen relentless rain throughout KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), bringing destruction and heartache in its wake.

Tragically, lives have been lost and organisations pray that those, who are still missing, are found alive and well.

The landslides have caused houses to collapse, roads and even some smaller towns to be closed off, while the downpour left homes, schools, and offices flooded and thousands homeless there is now water and power outages across the province.

“This coming weekend will bring family and loved ones together as we respectfully celebrate passover, Easter and Ramadan, which commenced at the beginning of April. However, there are thousands of people in KZN, who will not be able to celebrate and we ask for everyone to please spare a thought and say a prayer for the entire province of KZN, who have been severely affected by the devastating recent rains and floods,” said Hayley Lieberthal of the South African Jewish Board of Deputies KwaZulu-Natal (SAJBD KZN).

The organisation’s council has set-up a collection drive as well as funds to provide assistance to those whose need is greater than many of theirs.

The following items will be required: bottled water, non-perishable food, blankets, towels and baby diapers, brooms, mops, shovels, work gloves, rubber boots, buckets, toiletries (soap, shampoo, toothpaste etc) and batteries.

For those, who wish to donate funds instead of items, the SAJBD KZN council will ensure those funds are responsibly dispersed to the appropriate members of the greater KZN community, as always.

The banking details are as follows: UCF, Standard Bank, acc number: 050779036, branch code: 040127, reference: flood/name + surname and email: accounts@djc.co.za

A section 18a certificate will be provided in return.

“With tropical cyclone Issa’s erratic behaviour in changing course back to KZN, I appeal to everyone, who is able to do so to take precautions, remain under cover and do not take risks. I also appeal to every person in this beautiful country of ours, who is able, to contribute in which ever manner you can, so that we and others, who are already hard at work on the ground can assist those who have been devastated and have lost everything. I pay tribute to the many NGOs in KZN, who are already hard at work including the Domino Foundation, iThemba Lethu, Robin Hood Foundation, the Angel Network, and the Durban Jewish community organisations,” Lieberthal concluded. For more information, call 031 335-4460 or email Info@sajbdkzn.co.za