Severe weather claims one life in KZN

The Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) has urged residents to remain vigilant as inclement weather is expected to persist throughout the week.

KwaZulu-Natal has since Sunday experienced severe weather conditions, including heavy rain, strong winds, hailstorms and lightning.

Cogta MEC Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi said the provincial disaster management centre is actively co-ordinating with affected municipalities to provide necessary support to residents.

“Assessments in the most impacted areas eThekwini Metro and the districts of Amajuba, uMgungundlovu and uThukela reveal that 458 people have been affected.

“The severe weather has destroyed 13 houses and partially damaged 90. Tragically, one fatality has been confirmed, and five individuals have sustained injuries,” said Buthelezi.

Moreover, relief efforts are ongoing, with multi-sectoral interventions involving social partners and provincial organs of State such as Sassa and the Department of Social Development playing a crucial role in assisting affected families.

“The adverse weather has also damaged 28 schools and caused structural failure to the Ezimbokodweni River bridge on the N2, leading to a partial closure and traffic diversions.

“Health facilities in uMgungundlovu, uThukela and eThekwini, including Ntabamhlophe Clinic, Oliviershoek Clinic, McCord Provincial Eye Hospital and Harry Gwala Regional Hospital, also suffered structural damage,” added Buthelezi.

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