Severe flooding disrupts tourist festivities

Heavy rain leads to deaths and losses in KZN

- SIPHESIHLE BUTHELEZI

TOURISM operators along KwaZulu-Natal’s South Coast say severe flooding has disrupted the peak festive season, as damaged infrastructure, business closures, and safety concerns begin to affect visitor activity across the region.

The flooding has also turned deadly. KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli confirmed that two fatalities had been recorded in the Ugu District. A 63-year-old woman died after a house collapsed during a mudslide in Bomela under the Ray Nkonyeni Local Municipality, while a 46-year-old man drowned after being swept away by floodwaters in Qhologholo in the Umzumbe Local Municipality.

IneThekwini, Ntulisaida vehicle carrying five occupants was swept away by floodwaters at a low-lying bridge in eManzimtoti. Two occupants escaped, while the bodies of two men aged between 25 and 40 were later recovered. One person remains missing, with search and rescue operations continuing.

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost loved ones. The Provincial Government is mobilising all available resources to assist affected communities and ensure that urgent relief reaches those in need,’ Ntuli said.