Tragedy struck Durban and the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) north coast as heavy rainfall resulted in devastating flash floods, leaving a trail of destruction and claiming lives. Emergency teams worked tirelessly throughout the night, responding to 157 calls for help, primarily in the Verulam, Phoenix, and Tongaat areas in northern Durban.
By Sunday morning, the grim toll stood at four missing individuals. Samantha Meyrick, spokesperson for IPSS Medical Search and Rescue, expressed the sorrowful situation, stating, “As communities take stock of the damage, 4 people have been reported as missing by their families.” Two individuals vanished in Tongaat, while two others were swept away while attempting to cross rivers in Groutville and Maphumulo.
Despite the valiant efforts of Umhali SAPS K9 Search & Rescue and IPSS Search & Rescue, the treacherous river levels impeded rescue operations. Meyrick recounted the challenges, saying, “As the rivers remain at dangerous levels, this will hamper efforts by rescuers.”
The flash floods wreaked havoc in various areas, leading to emergency responses for people trapped in houses and cars. Meyrick shared a distressing incident in Tongaat, where a river flooded the CBD, leaving three individuals stranded. Fortunately, they were rescued with no serious injuries reported.
While emergency services and paramedics were on high alert, the news was marred by a serious motor vehicle collision on the M4 Ruth First Highway near the Virginia Airport. Six people were treated for moderate injuries, adding to the toll of the unfortunate events.
Prem Balram, spokesperson for Reaction Unit South Africa (Rusa), conveyed the extensive scale of the disaster. Their control rooms received over 150 calls for assistance, and they responded to affected areas since 10 pm on Saturday. Balram highlighted the gravity of the situation, with numerous residents evacuated, homes flooded, and infrastructural damages.
Tragically, the KZN Provincial Disaster Management Centre revealed that over 40 lives were lost in December and January due to adverse weather conditions. The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs reported the discovery of a car under a bridge with three confirmed deceased individuals, suspected to have gone missing on December 31.
The entire community mourns the lives lost and extends heartfelt condolences to the affected families. As the region grapples with the aftermath of this natural disaster, efforts to support and rebuild are underway.
