By Levy Masiteng
Severe thunderstorms and heavy rains have wreaked havoc across the Ugu District Municipality and parts of eThekwini in KwaZulu-Natal, leaving a trail of destruction and claiming at least four lives.
According to the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government, the storms triggered widespread flooding, mudslides, and extensive damage to homes and infrastructure. Two fatalities were confirmed in the Ugu District and two more in eThekwini.
In the Ugu District, a 63-year-old woman died after her home collapsed during a mudslide in Bomela. In a separate incident, a 46-year-old man drowned after being swept away by floodwaters in Qhologholo.
In eThekwini, two men aged between 25 and 40 were swept away by floodwaters in Amanzimtoti. One of the men remains missing.
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli conducted an on-site inspection of the affected areas, meeting with grieving families and assessing the extent of the damage.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost loved ones,” Ntuli said in a statement. “The Provincial Government is mobilising all available resources to assist affected communities and ensure that urgent relief reaches those in need.”
Ntuli said disaster management teams are working around the clock to restore essential services and ensure public safety.
“We are doing everything possible to respond swiftly,” he added.
The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government has urged residents to heed safety advisories issued by local authorities and avoid low-lying areas prone to flooding.
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