Storm destruction in KwaZulu-Natal

One person died, two remain massing as homes, roads washed away in New Hanover

- SIPHESIHLE BUTHELEZI

THE body of a woman has been recovered and two others remain missing after heavy rains lashed New Hanover in the KZN Midlands on Sunday night. | KZN DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT

(KZN DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT)

ONE person has died, two others are missing and several homes and roads have been washed away in New Hanover in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands due toa severe storm on Sunday. KZN Premier Thamsangqa Ntuli yesterday expressed his condolences to the families affected by floods in New Hanover and the greater uMshwathi Local Municipality.

“Three people went missing, and sadly one body has been recovered,” Premier Ntuli said.

He said the victims were living in cottages built on the riverbank, and they were swept away when the floodwaters rose.

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families affected and thank all those assisting in the recovery efforts”

The Premier urged residents to heed weather warnings and government alerts.

“We have repeatedly highlighted the need to relocate structures in flood-prone areas. If these warnings had been acted upon, perhaps lives could have been saved. Our teams are on the ground working with other centres to search for the remaining bodies, remove the recovered body, and ensure people’ safety in the area.”