After causing significant damage in various communities over the weekend, heavy rains are set to persist in parts of KZN today (Monday).

Three people are missing after being swept away in the New Hanover area in the KZN Midlands.

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“In addition to the incident in New Hanover, disaster management teams are responding to multiple reports of damage across uMgungundlovu District.

“Preliminary information suggests several residential properties have sustained flood damage, and road infrastructure, including bridges, has been affected,” said Cogta MEC Thulasizwe Buthelezi.

“The full extent of the destruction is not yet quantified. Disaster management officials will conduct comprehensive assessments in the affected communities to determine the scale of the damage and the immediate needs of residents once conditions allow for safe operations,” said Buthelezi.

The SA Weather Service, which at the weekend issued an orange level 5 and a yellow level 4 warning for KZN, said heavy downpours are still expected in the north-western parts of the province today (Monday).

The thunderstorms may be accompanied by hail and excessive lightning that will lead to flooding of susceptible roads, low-lying areas and bridges.

Residents are urged to exercise extreme caution, and avoid crossing swollen rivers or low-lying bridges.

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