KZN South Coast residents evacuated following flooding

Heavy rains have once again caused widespread flooding across the KZN South Coast, leading to an immediate response from disaster management teams.

The latest flooding comes just days after nine people died following flooding and mudslides in parts of the province. Unfortunately, close to 100 people were displaced after their homes were damaged along with water and electrical infrastructure.

HEAVY RAINS WREAK HAVOC IN KZN SOUTH COAST

The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) in the province said authorities have received numerous emergency calls from residents affected by rising floodwaters. 

In response, teams from Ugu Disaster Management and Ray Nkonyeni Municipality (RNM) Fire and Rescue Services have been sent out to conduct evacuations and provide assistance to affected communities.

Several roads have been badly flooded, making them impassable.

 Affected areas include:

•  N2 Murchison
•  Umbango Bridge
•  Kwangwabe
•  Grace Low Level Bridge
•  Beach Garage
•  Nkongweni Bridge at Margate
•  OK Foods and Pharmacy (Margate)

KZN Cogta spokesperson Senzelwe Mzila said the South African Police Service (SAPS), Emergency Medical Services (EMS), and other emergency services have been activated to support the ongoing relief efforts.

Meanwhile, the MEC for KZN Cogta Thulasizwe Buthelezi has assured residents that disaster response teams are working around the clock to rescue residents that are trapped by the floods.

 “Our priority is the safety and well-being of our residents. We are working tirelessly to assist those affected by the floods and to lessen further damage,” Buthelezi said. 

As of 7:00 on Wednesday, no fatalities have been reported. However, residents are urged to take extreme care and avoid travelling in affected areas.

Mzila said key interventions being coordinated by the Provincial Disaster Management Centre include:

•  Disaster management teams are actively carrying out evacuations in high-risk areas.
•  Emergency services are on standby to provide medical assistance and support.
•  Road closures are in place for several key routes.

DO YOU LIVE IN KZN? WERE YOU AFFECTED BY THE HEAVY RAINS ON TUESDAY?

Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.

Subscribe to The South African website’s newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.