Seven confirmed dead in KZN storm

THE KwaZulu-Natal Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) on Thursday confirmed that seven people died in Tuesday’s storm in the province.

Cogta said two bodies were recovered in the Bayhead Canal on Thursday. Other deaths occurred in Cato Crest, Pinetown and Glenashley in Durban and one death was also confirmed in Ugu Municipality on the KZN South Coast.

The department said others were reported as missing.

Cato Crest residents on Thursday reported that at least 20 houses had been washed away and two people had died – Happy Gwija, 60, and 20-year-old Ludres Chambe.

Seven people were named as being missing by relatives.

Chicken farms in Inanda were adversely affected.

The heavy rains had also resulted in pollution at Blue Lagoon Beach in Durban, caused by debris from the Umgeni River.

THE MERCURY