The death toll in KwaZulu-Natal due to devastating floods has risen to 11, adding to a recorded death toll of over 40 lives lost and many more reported missing from 2023.
The eThekwini metro alone was devastated with a number of casualties caused by heavy rains.
In the Tongaat area, the situation remains dire as search and rescue teams intensify efforts to locate two individuals whose shack was washed away in the storm.
South Africa Weather Service (SAWS) experts say the storm will continue to rage on through 15 January 2023.
SAWS warns KZN rains set to continue
The current hostile weather conditions in KZN show no signs of softening. Citizens worry as the SAWS warns of more heavy downpours and thunderstorms expected in the coming week.
Forecaster Wisani Maluleke spoke to national broadcaster eNCA and highlighted the ongoing risks, stating that Monday anticipates a 60% chance of showers and thunderstorms. The persistent weather challenges underscore the urgency for continued vigilance and preparedness.
KZN flood ravage SA province
The area has been left unrecognisable with hundreds of homes across various parts of the province washed away or reduced to shambles by the floods. The heavy rains have claimed over 40 lives, 11 adding to that number this year, according to eNCA.
In addition to lives lost, the floods have wreaked havoc on water and electricity infrastructure. As the community grapples with the aftermath, the eThekwini municipality has taken precautionary measures. Choosing to close beaches in the north and a few in the south until further notice. This move is in the hopes of protecting lives and restricting access to poor water quality.
Rescue missions in KZN continue
According to eNCA, a search for two people who went missing after their shack was washed away in the Tongaat area is still ongoing. The rescue team is working tirelessly, but the current state of the weather only stands to complicate matters.
The immediate focus is on search and rescue operations and addressing the immediate impact on communities. The unfortunate long-term consequences of the floods are said to pose challenges for recovery. Authorities are working tirelessly to recover as much as they can from the disaster, and keeping the death toll low should remain a priority.