Ladysmith floods claim lives, premier sends condolences. Image: IPSS Medical Rescue.
KwaZulu-Natal flash floods: Death toll increases to 40
KwaZulu-Natal COGTA says five people are reported missing following flash floods that claimed a number of lives in Ladysmith.
Ladysmith floods claim lives, premier sends condolences. Image: IPSS Medical Rescue.
The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Disaster Management says the death toll due to inclement weather conditions in the province during the festive season has increased to 40 while five are reported missing.
Heavy rains battered parts of the province on Christmas Eve and after, causing significant damage to infrastructure and property, especially in Ladysmith and Pietermaritzburg.
KWAZULU-NATAL FLASH FLOODS DEATH TOLL INCREASES TO 40
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) said the numbers have increased as teams continue with assessment. At the same time, inclement weather persists in various parts of the province.
KZN COGTA spokesperson Siboniso Mngadi said in recent incidents, three drownings were reported in the Harry Gwala District, while two farmworkers were struck by lightning in Bergville.
Mngadi said two people have been discovered by the search and rescue teams in Ladysmith; however, their identities are pending confirmation through DNA if it matches the ones reported missing.
“The rains have also left 74 people injured; some were transported to hospitals, while others were treated on the scene. About 800 households suffered damages, with 247 dwellings destroyed. This has left 47 people homeless, and over 4000 people have been affected,” he added.
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MEC EXTENDS CONDOLENCES
Furthermore, the department said it has been in contact with all those affected and is providing necessary support for its disaster relief efforts, working with its social partners.
KwaZulu-Natal COGTA MEC Bongiwe Sithole-Moloi has since extended her heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.
“We would like to commend our search and rescue teams, who continue to work tirelessly on the ground to locate those reported missing.
“While the loss of loved ones is a painful experience, we find solace in the closure that comes when search and rescue teams recover the remains of those who were missing. Some families have already laid their loved ones to rest, and as a department, we have been by their side, providing support. We also wish a speedy recovery to those injured,” Sithole-Moloi said.
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