Local news

Heavy rains this week leave one dead and four injured in Ugu District

Extensive damage was caused to road infrastructure, electricity, sewer systems, and housing.

June 30, 2023
Shona Aylward 2 minutes read
48 hours of unpredictable weather left a trail of destruction. Photo: KZNCOGTA

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, has assessed the damage caused by heavy rains and strong winds that devastated parts of the province and compiled a preliminary report.

The Provincial Disaster Management Centre swiftly responded to the unfortunate incidents, dispatching disaster teams to assess the extent of the destruction caused by the severe weather conditions in eThekwini and Ugu District Municipality in the South Coast.

The areas severely affected by the heavy rains and strong winds include Phoenix, Inanda, Ntuzuma, KwaMashu, Pinetown and surrounding areas, Folweni, and the north of Durban.

In the Ugu District, the hardest-hit areas were Umzumbe, Umdoni, and Umuziwabantu.

The preliminary reports indicate extensive damage to road infrastructure, electricity, sewer systems, and housing. Many houses suffered roof damage, collapsed walls, and flooding.

According to the latest reports from the Provincial Disaster Management Centre, the number of confirmed fatalities has tragically risen to seven. In Durban, the deaths were recorded as follows: two in Cato Manor, one in Durban North, one in Pinetown, and two bodies were recovered in Bayhead on Tuesday afternoon.
The number of fatalities remains at one in the Ugu District, specifically recorded in Port Shepstone. Additionally, a further four injuries were reported in the district.
Furthermore, seven individuals are still reported as missing, and dedicated search and rescue teams continue their efforts to locate and assist them.
The Provincial Disaster Management Center swiftly responded to the unfortunate incidents, dispatching disaster teams to assess the extent of the destruction caused by the severe weather conditions in Durban Metro and Ugu District Municipality, in the South Coast. PHOTO: KZNCOGTA
KZN MEC for Cogta, Bongiwe Sithole-Moloi, has extended her deepest condolences to all the affected families. She emphasised that the government is fully committed to restoring the dignity of the victims and providing the necessary support to help them rebuild their lives.
She expressed her regret that many families had to seek shelter in schools due to the damage to their homes. She encouraged all affected individuals to support one another during this challenging time as the government continues to implement various interventions.
In the Ugu District Municipality, one house was left completely destroyed while three more suffered partial damage affecting 29 people. One person was left homeless.

In response to the destruction, the Cogta, through the Provincial Disaster Management Centre, has provided immediate relief materials to the affected victims. This includes over 300 food parcels, 2750 blankets, 5500 plastic sheetings, and 550 emergency boxes as part of the winter contingency planning across all districts and the metro. The Provincial Disaster Management Centre maintains additional immediate relief materials to offer further support.

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At Caxton, every story is written by humans. We use AI only to perform quality checks - never to generate the news. Happy reading!
June 30, 2023
Shona Aylward 2 minutes read

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shonaaylward

Shona Aylward is a vastly experienced journalist working as a senior reporter. Aside from her extensive community involvement and story writing, she is also involved in creative page layout, and the various media platforms. Shona began her career with Caxton at the Southlands Sun. Previous to this she worked in the marketing industry for surf magazines. Shona is a renown 'greenie' and champions environmental causes. She is also Mom to a number of dogs and cats, and the occasional uninvited snake. When she can find some spare time, it's usually to the beach that she heads.
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