A full day of search and rescue operations was conducted on Christmas Day by disaster management teams, together with the K9 Unit, Al-Imdaad Foundation Disaster Response and IPSS Medical Rescue. The death toll in the flash flooding now stands at six.

The search for the remaining 10 people will resume this morning (December 26).

A statement released by the KZN Department of Co-operative Governance & Traditional Affairs reads, “The heavy rains on Christmas Eve resulted in the Bellspuit river, which runs under the Mbonontathu bridge, bursting its banks, causing water to overflow onto the N11 road near the Limit Hill robots in Ladysmith.

“This resulted in severe damage to infrastructure, and several vehicles were swept away. Additionally, one household located near a caravan park was completely destroyed. Sadly, three family members were swept away.

“During the search and rescue operation, one family member was found deceased, while the other two are still missing. At the time of the incident, three vehicles were said to have been travelling on the N11 and were swept away. According to information gathered by our disaster teams, a double-cab was carrying nine passengers. Three of them were found deceased inside the vehicle, while the other six remain missing.

“A light vehicle – Polo – was carrying two passengers. One person was discovered deceased inside the vehicle, while the other person remains missing. A light bakkie – Bantam – was carrying two people who were also swept away. One person was found in the vehicle, deceased, and the other is still missing.

“Our teams have provided disaster relief – including hygiene packs, mattresses and blankets – to all those in need.

“Ladysmith has historically been susceptible to flooding due to its location in a floodplain along the catchment area. The municipality has a long history of flash floods caused by thunderstorms or slow-moving cut-off flows. As a result, the Provincial Disaster Management Centre (PDMC) has developed a mitigation and response plan for Alfred Duma Municipality. Furthermore, the PDMC has assisted the municipality in securing funds from the National Disaster Management Centre to implement mitigation projects aimed at reducing or preventing the impact of flooding.

“We would also like to highlight that several projects valued at over R23 million are currently underway within Alfred Duma Municipality, Ladysmith town, as part of the draft mitigation and response plan.

Also read: Five bodies found after flash floods 

“Our teams will continue their assessment on Tuesday morning, and the rescue team will resume their search for the missing people.

“Thunderstorms are expected to persist in various areas of KZN, including Ladysmith. According to the South African Weather Service, a level 2 alert has been issued. We urge residents to exercise extreme caution during this time.”

The news provided to you in this link comes to you from the editorial staff of the Ladysmith Gazette, a sold newspaper distributed in the Ladysmith area.

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