Severe weather has wreaked havoc across several districts in KZN, resulting in the loss of three lives and injuries reported after Friday night’s storms led to widespread destruction and despair.

KZN Disaster Management teams remain on the ground supporting affected communities such as the Harry Gwala, Umgungundlovu, and Umzinyathi districts.

In Umzinyathi, near Dundee, a man drowned when his vehicle was swept away while crossing a flooded bridge.

While in the Harry Gwala District, near Umzimkhulu, a vehicle carrying two occupants was washed away in the Cabhani River.

Despite the prompt response of search-and-rescue teams, both individuals were found dead.

In Willowfontein, Pietermaritzburg, a family’s home was destroyed by the relentless downpour. The family’s children were injured.

KZN Cogta MEC Bongiwe Sithole-Moloi sent her condolences and emphasised the importance of community vigilance during extreme weather

“We are concerned that we continue to lose lives through car incidents which we believe could have been avoided. We are appealing to motorists and pedestrians to refrain from crossing swollen rivers. As rains continue, most of the rivers are already overflowing. Low-lying bridges pose a serious threat where water runs above them. We would like to plead with all people who are travelling to wait until the water level drops.”

The province remains on high alert.