Search underway for 5 missing people after heavy rains in Durban

Search underway for 5 missing people after heavy rains in Durban! A desperate search is underway for five people who were swept away by a river in Lamontville, south of Durban, following another bout of heavy rains that battered the area. Emergency response teams are working tirelessly to locate the missing individuals, but the search efforts have been severely hampered by dangerous conditions on the ground.

According to Garrith Jamieson of ALS Paramedics, emergency services were called to the scene, where specialized Search and Rescue units had already begun combing the area for the missing residents. However, the teams are facing several challenges, including the hazardous state of the canal and the presence of live electrical wires, which pose a significant risk to rescuers.

“The conditions are extremely dangerous, making it difficult for search teams to operate safely. Despite this, rescuers are doing everything possible to locate the missing individuals,” said Jamieson.

Severe Storm Damage Across Durban

The heavy rains that caused the flooding in Lamontville have also wreaked havoc in other parts of Durban and surrounding areas. In another frightening incident in Mobeni, a family narrowly escaped disaster when the roadway underneath their home collapsed. Fortunately, they managed to get out unharmed, but the structural damage has left their home at risk.

Missing people

The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) has confirmed that disaster management teams are actively responding to multiple distress calls from affected residents across the province. Many communities have been left stranded as floodwaters continue to rise, forcing emergency personnel to conduct evacuations.

“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 deployed to conduct evacuations and provide assistance to affected communities. Several roads have been badly flooded, making them impassable,” said Cogta MEC, Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi.

Areas Affected by Flooding

Several parts of Durban and surrounding municipalities have been severely affected by the storm, leaving homes, roads, and businesses damaged or inaccessible. Some of the key areas impacted include:

• N2 Murchison – A major roadway that has been flooded, disrupting transport and movement.
• Umbango Bridge – The bridge has been submerged, making it unsafe for vehicles and pedestrians.
• Kwangwabe – Severe flooding has affected residents, many of whom have had to evacuate their homes.
• Grace Low Level Bridge – Rising waters have made the bridge impassable.
• Beach Garage – The area is submerged, with local businesses experiencing water damage.
• Nkongweni Bridge at Margate – The bridge remains under water, cutting off access to surrounding communities.
• OK Foods and Pharmacy (Margate) – Businesses in this area have suffered flooding, leading to potential losses.

Power Outages Leave Residents in the Dark

In addition to flooding and structural damage, the storm has left many areas across Durban without electricity. Residents have been reporting widespread power outages, adding to the challenges faced in the wake of the disaster.

Ward councillor Fran Kristopher confirmed that multiple homes have lost power due to storm damage. She urged residents to remain patient as emergency teams work on restoring electricity.

“Due to the extent of the damages from the storm, we are asking everyone to bear with emergency services and teams who are currently busy with assessments and repairs,” Kristopher said.

Emergency Response and Recovery Efforts

Emergency response teams continue to work around the clock, prioritizing search and rescue operations, evacuations, and restoring essential services to affected areas. The government has urged residents in flood-prone regions to remain cautious and to report any emergencies immediately.

Meanwhile, authorities have warned that more heavy rains could be on the way, which may further worsen the situation. Residents are advised to stay indoors where possible, avoid crossing flooded roads or bridges, and follow official safety guidelines issued by disaster management teams.

With five people still missing in Lamontville, the community remains on edge as search and rescue teams battle treacherous conditions in their efforts to bring them home safely. The full extent of the damage caused by the storms is yet to be determined, but for many affected residents, the road to recovery will be long and challenging.