Flash flood death toll mounts on North Coast
Cogta estimates that about 140 homes and 600 people were directly impacted in KwaDukuza and neighbouring Ndwedwe.
At least three people have died as a result of the flash floods that rocked the coast on Saturday evening.
Two Tongaat residents died when floodwater caused their informal housing to collapse on them, while a third body was found yesterday in Malende, near KwaDukuza.
It is thought to be the body of the person who was reported missing from Groutville, although this has not yet been confirmed.
The two missing Tongaat residents and one missing Maphumulo resident have not yet been found.
Teams from the affected municipalities and the provincial department of co-operative governance (Cogta) have been assessing damages and working to help those worst hit over the past two days.
Cogta estimates that a combined 140 homes and around 600 people have been directly impacted in KwaDukuza and neighbouring Ndwedwe.
“We have received reports that schools, roads and bridges in municipalities such as eThekwini, Ndwedwe and KwaDukuza have been severely damaged,” said KZN Cogta MEC, Bongiwe Sithole-Moloi.
“Disaster management teams are compiling reports to ensure a consolidated government response.”
In KwaDukuza, the floods caused widespread power outages with some areas experiencing almost 24 hours without electricity.
The KwaDukuza Municipality (KDM) said it was working to restore the affected areas, most of which were around KwaDukuza town.
KDM mayor Lindile Nhaca extended her condolences to the family of the person found in Malende and said response teams have been mobilised.
“We are aware there have been several other families who were displaced but we are working on facilitating aid for them,” she said.
“We are anxious, and indeed recounting the extent of the damages incurred. These heavy rains have not only ravaged infrastructure but have disrupted municipal services and we wish to extend our apologies to consumers and the KwaDukuza community at large.”
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