First responders reflect on the April 2022 floods in KZN

THREE years after the catastrophic April 2022 floods in KwaZulu-Natal, first responders have shared their harrowing experiences and the vital lessons learned from one of the province’s most devastating natural disasters.

- KAREN SINGH

According to a study by Professor Stefan Grab and Professor David Nash from Wits University, which reconstructed the history of floods in KZN since the 1840s, the April 2022 floods were likely the most catastrophic natural disaster yet recorded in KZN with more than 400 lives lost, homes and infrastructure damaged or destroyed and negative economic impact.

The KZN Department of Economic Development and Tourism and Environmental Affairs said eThekwini Metro was the most severely affected.

The unprecedented disaster struck in the second week of April 2022 and the province continues to be battered by floods and other natural disasters, with major flooding occurring again after rain this week.

Challenges, emotional toll

Reaction Unit South Africa (Rusa) spokesperson Prem Balram recalls the difficulties of the first night. “The calls were coming into the control centre by the hundreds. I think about 169 calls came through within the first few hours from people seeking assistance.”

He said they had to mobilise all their members to assist the general public and the SAPS. “It was a hectic night. It went on throughout the night and for several days after that. We assisted in rescues, transporting bodies, and flying over areas where there were people who were swept out to sea.”

He said the biggest challenge was getting to remote areas that were inaccessible to vehicles, and there was nowhere to land the helicopter. “It was challenging to deploy members on foot, get paramedics in and out, and equipment with the aircraft.”

Balram said his lowest moment was the psychological impact of transporting a decomposing body found in a tree about three metres above the ground in a rural area.

Every time it rains, Balram said the anxiety and stress resurface. “I simply get up and I put my uniform on, I put my equipment on and I mobilise my members so there are no delays.