Relief efforts underway in flood hit New Hanover
KZN floods: One dead, two missing as disaster teams race to respond in New Hanover
Image: COGTA Media
The MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi will on Tuesday visit disaster-affected areas within the uMshwathi Local Municipality where he will lead relief efforts, following severe weather conditions that battered the region on Sunday evening.
Heavy rains triggered localised flooding in the New Hanover area, where three people were swept away. On Monday, Buthelezi confirmed that search and rescue teams had recovered the body of one of the victims, a middle-aged woman.
"We are deeply saddened by this tragic loss of life and extend our sincerest condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased," said MEC Buthelezi.
"The provincial government mourns with you. Our dedicated search and rescue teams are working around the clock, under difficult conditions, to locate the two individuals still unaccounted for."
Buthelezi said the search and rescue operation for the remaining two missing individuals is intensifying and continues without interruption. Disaster management teams remain on-site, working closely with rescue units, while also responding to multiple reports of damage across the uMgungundlovu District.
Preliminary information suggests that several residential properties have sustained flood damage, while road infrastructure, including bridges, has been affected. Informal settlements in flood-prone areas have been particularly hard hit.
In response, Buthelezi has activated a multi-sectoral relief plan aimed at providing immediate humanitarian assistance. Relief efforts include:
Supplying essential goods to affected households.
Coordinating short-term housing solutions for displaced families in consultation with relevant departments.
Working closely with the uMshwathi Local Municipality to ensure urgent needs are met.
The severe weather followed Level 5 and Level 4 alerts issued by the South African Weather Service (SAWS), warning of heavy downpours, strong winds, and the potential for localised flooding.