Homes and clinics destroyed by floods in KwaZulu-Natal
Homes have been destroyed in KZN due to heavy rains
Image: Supplied
Heavy rainfall has caused significant damage in the Amajuba and Umzinyathi districts, with approximately 50 houses confirmed as destroyed, according to the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta).
According to Cogta spokesperson Senzelwa Mzila at eMadlangeni Local Municipality, 20 houses were destroyed in wards 2, 3, and 5, with three individuals sustaining injuries. At Newcastle, 115 households were affected, with 30 houses destroyed.
MEC Thulasizwe Buthelezi directed the provincial Disaster Management Centre (PDMC) to coordinate with social partners and local municipalities to provide immediate relief, including food parcels, blankets, and temporary shelter.
“Our teams are currently on the ground conducting mop-up operations and detailed assessments to ensure no family is left stranded. We are working around the clock with our social partners to restore dignity to those who have lost their homes. Our thoughts and prayers are with the injured,” Buthelezi said.
He said the PDMC remains on high alert as weather conditions across the province remain volatile.
The Department of Health has also stated that its health infrastructure in the Amajuba District has been destroyed.
Health facilities were amongst the infrastructure destroyed due to heavy rains
Image: Supplied
About the Madadeni EMS Base, the statement read: “A fallen tree has damaged a park home and the perimeter fence shared with Madadeni Hospital. The roof over the Outpatient Department (OPD)/Casualty and Admitting Office was blown away at Niemeyer Memorial Hospital, resulting in flooding within these critical areas.”
The department also stated that it has yet to conduct a full assessment that it had yet to conduct a full assessment of the extent of the damage and further said that they anticipate some disturbance to day-to-day health services in the affected institutions.
“After a thorough assessment, the Department will implement a contingency plan to ensure emergency medical services continue to operate with minimal disruption,” the department said.
Moreover, it said it was working around the clock to restore services and ensure the safety of both patients and staff.
Meanwhile, in Mpumalanga province, two members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) were swept away by the strong current of a flooded river during the execution of Operation Corona at Macadamia. Operation Corona is SANDF’s ongoing border safeguarding mission.
According to the head of communication of the SANDF, Siphiwe Dlamini, the body of one member has been recovered, while the second member remains missing.
“An extensive search and rescue operation is currently underway. The SAPS diving rescue team, supported by SANDF Oryx helicopter, continues to search for the missing member,” Dlamini said.
Minister of Defence Angie Motshekga, along with her deputies, the Secretary for Defence, and SANDF Chief Rudzani Maphwanya, extended their condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the soldier who passed away. They also offered their concern and solidarity to the soldier's family.
nomonde.zondi@inl.co.za