Update: Toddler killed in KZN storms – death toll reaches five

The death toll caused by the KZN storms this past week continues to rise. The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) is assessing the damage caused by the heavy rain and flooding which affected several parts of the province and included the death of 5 people. COGTA spokesperson Siboniso Mngadi has provided updates to the press, including the sad news of a 1-year-old toddler as a result of the storm. The northern parts of the province were affected the most with hundreds of houses destroyed in Mtubatuba.

How many homes were destroyed due to the KZN storms?

On Sunday, the department announced that 70 houses were destroyed, however, this number has gone up as disaster management teams continue to assess the damage caused by the storm across the province. We have the latest updates by KZN COGTA.

COGTA spokesperson Siboniso Mngadi has stated that hundreds of homes were destroyed due to the KZN storms. In addition to this, the death toll is standing at 5 as a 1-year-old was found among the victims that tragically passed. Many victims are still missing so this number may rise. Apart from Mtubatuba, areas such as Harry Gwala District, Madakeni and the Umgungundlovu District also experienced destruction caused by the heavy rain.

ALSO READ: Storms leave four dead, 70 homes destroyed in KwaZulu-Natal

“Infrastructure has been destroyed”

The KZN storms also affected infrastructure across the province as power outages were experienced due to damaged power lines. Mngadi stated that the relevant departments are currently assessing and working on fixing the damage caused by the storm.

Disaster management teams were on standby

The department did not leave KZN victims to suffer alone as disaster management teams were on standby for the weekend. According to the government, Provincial Disaster Management teams are providing relief to the victims affected.

ALSO READ: ‘Over 50mm’: Widespread persistent rain in KwaZulu-Natal on Sunday

KZN storms leave hundreds homeless

KZN continues to be affected by floods every year. Last year, floods caused by storms killed over 300 in the Durban area and left hundreds homeless. Those living in rural settlements are the most affected as homes are often located on higher ground. Many of these victims live in poverty and are left homeless after storm damage.

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