25 people killed in KZN flooding
Updated | By Eva Chipa
KwaZulu-Natal’s Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
department has deployed disaster management teams to assist with evacuations
amid flooding in in Ladysmith and Msinga.
Spokesperson for the department Senzelwe Mzila says at least 25 people have died because of the heavy rains and floods which have hit various parts of the province during the summer season.
“We have recently experienced inclement weather conditions, which have left a trail of death and destruction in their wake. So far 25 people have died with one person missing and R3.3- billion in damages has been incurred during the current summer season.”
Heavy rains over the weekend in Ladysmith and Msinga led to local rivers bursting their banks.
Respect and Gratitude to those rescuing the vulnerable in a flooded Ladysmith https://t.co/KGctJvBoYt #ArriveAlive #Flooding @afriwx @ReenvalSA pic.twitter.com/poHqDE9HYk
— Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) January 17, 2022
I think it is high time this small town of Ladysmith in Northern KZN finds a competent town planner . pic.twitter.com/6EV9PDUcc5
— Mondli Dube ka Sotyato (@Azania_Umoja) January 17, 2022
But Mzila says no deaths have been recorded.
“So far 70 residents have been evacuated on Monday from the flooded areas in Ladysmith and moved to the Indoor Sports Centre. Disaster management teams are working together with various non-governmental organisations to provide immediate relief, such as blankets, sponges and hot meals to the affected residents.
“The town of Ladysmith received significant rainfall over the weekend which led to the Kliprivier bursting its banks and flooding parts of the CBD.”
In the town of Msinga heavy rains caused the uThukela River to burst its banks and flood surrounding areas.
“Disaster management teams are continuing to monitor the situation across the province. We appeal to residents to be cautious,” warns Mzila.
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