KZN weather: Storm death toll rises to four, more people missing

At least four people have died as a result of the severe weather in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), the provincial department of cooperative governance and traditional affairs said in its latest update.

READ: ‘NOT a tornado’: SAWS explains weather phenomenon that hit Inanda

Heavy Rains and Strong Winds Leave a Trail of Destruction in KwaZulu-Natal

According to SABC News, one of the victims was swept away while in a vehicle in Pinetown, and the bodies of two more victims were found in Cato Manor and Glen Ashley, respectively. No details were provided for the fourth victim.

One person has been confirmed missing in Verulam, while there are further reports of six missing people in the Cato Manor area.

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eThekwini hardest hit

KZN COGTA said Inanda, Phoenix, Pinetown, Ntuzuma, KwaMashu, Folweni and other areas in eThekwini were severely affected by heavy downpours and strong winds.

The eThekwini municipality was hardest hit, with 70 homes destroyed and over 100 partially damaged.

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As previously reported, the South African Weather Service (SAWS) explained that the so-called tornado that affected Inanda and Phoenix was a landspout.

“Residents were already struggling to cope with the widespread, disruptive rain, which led to localised flooding, reported across large parts of KZN province.

“So, apart from damage to property due to the heavy and persistent rain, there was sadly also damage to housing structures due to the strong winds associated with the landspout phenomenon,” said the weather service.

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