PICTURES: At least 4 people missing, roads washed away in KZN flash floods

Mass power outage plunges Richards Bay into darkness during heavy weather across KZN

January 14, 2024

Tamlyn Head 1 minute read

Tongaat and Stanger experienced much flood damage Photo: IPSS Search & Rescue

SATURDAY night saw KZN battered by flash floods, leading to at least four people being reported as missing.

While the Zululand region appears to have been largely saved from the effects of flooding, Richards Bay experienced a mass power outage after the storm tripped Eskom’s Impala substation at around 10pm.

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Investigations began once the storm had subsided, and a fault was found at Taurus substation.

Repairs began in earnest and power was restored by 9am this morning (Sunday).

While rainfall figures are still trickling in, Arboretum Extension recorded 70mm.

Elsewhere in the province, various rivers burst their banks, with Tongaat and Stanger suffering flooded roads and sinkholes as a result.

Various roads closer to Durban are closed due to flooding, landslides and sinkholes.

Two people have gone missing from their home in Tongaat, while a further two are reported as missing after reportedly attempting to cross swollen rivers in Groutville and Maphumulo.

IPSS Search and Rescue has been involved in rescue and recovery operations since late last night.

They have joined forces with uMhlali SAPS K9 Search and Rescue, but as at 10am on Sunday, the raging rivers were too dangerous to attempt operations.