Five people hospitalised after mudslides swamp uMlazi homes

FIVE people were hospitalised yesterday after two houses collapsed in uMlazi ward 85, Durban South, due to mudslides caused by prolonged heavy rainfall.

- KAREN SINGH

The KZN Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) confirmed that there were no fatalities after checking with the disaster teams on the ground.

Spokesperson Senzelwe Mzila said disaster management teams were evacuating three more houses identified as being in imminent danger of collapse.

“The adverse weather has caused significant disruptions, particularly in eThekwini. Major routes have experienced flooding,” he said.

Mila said a Level 4 weather warning by the South African Weather Service (Saws) on Thursday would remain in effect. “This indicates a high chance of disruptive rainfall and localised flooding across the region.”

The department called on residents in low-lying areas and informal settlements, who are particularly vulnerable, to take necessary safety precautions. “Tf water enters homes, immediately evacuate to higher ground,” said Mzila.

Cogta MEC Thulasizwe Buthelezi wished the injured a speedy recovery and urged residents in the following areas to remain vigilant: Big Five Hlabisa, Hluhluwe, eThekwini, KwaDukuza, Mandeni, Maphumulo, Mkhambathini, Mtubatuba, Ndwedwe, Ray Nkonyeni, Umhlabuyalingana, uMhlathuze, Umdoni, uMlalazi, and Umzumbe.