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At least 32 people have died as a result of heavy rains in KwaZulu-Natal, as a storm system batters South Africa.
On Tuesday afternoon, Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) spokesperson Senzo Mzila said 23 people have died in Durban, bringing the provincial total to 32.
The provincial department said earlier on Tuesday that the stormy weather caused significant damage.
"Last night, the weather conditions worsened significantly across KZN and the heavy rain culminated in various parts of the province, claiming at least 21 lives and 32 patients in and around Durban. Over 2 000 emergency calls were logged last night," MEC Nomusa Dube-Ncube said in a statement.
READ: Severe storm dumps massive rain on SA - KZN, Northern Cape worst affected
News24 earlier reported that five people had been killed in mudslides in the province.
'It's been crazy'
Paramedics were busy responding to reports of injuries related to the flooding.
"It's been crazy," Garrith Jamieson, operations director for Rescue Care told News24 on Tuesday.
"I'm at a rescue now, still trying to find bodies," he said from Chatsworth, where nine people went missing.
"We attended to several incidents related to flooding and damage this morning," ER24 spokesperson Russel Meiring told News24.
"We were in Amanzimtoti, where a man was in a home when it partially collapsed, and he sustained injuries," he added.
The South African Weather Service issued warning for severe rain and strong winds along the east coast of the country.
"Heavy rainfall, which might lead to localised flooding, is expected over the Ugu DM, Ethekwini DM, Mkhambathini LM, uBuhlebezwe LM today," read one of the warnings.
Response
The weather is known as a cut-off low and will move south east, SAWS forecaster Mbavhi Maliage told News24.
"The main low is over the Northern Cape and it's going to move over the Eastern Cape and out of the country."
The weather should settle by Thursday.
"As it [the storm system] exits the country, it's going to drag the weather with it," said Maliage.
High rainfall areas over the last 24 hours | |
Durban | 165mm |
Paddock | 235mm |
Pennington South | 104mm |
Virginia | 163mm |
Port St Johns | 190mm |
The provincial department said it was responding to the storm devastation.
"We have, since the early hours of today, been responding to last night’s incessant rain that has wreaked untold damage on our communities, and to devise a way forward in our joint efforts as local and provincial government to begin with relief and response operations.
"Our purpose here today is also to assure the communities that our government is on top of its game in our endeavour to minimise the impact of this storm on our residents and businesses," said Dube-Ncube.
The South African National Defence Force has committed to assisting those affected by flooding.
"Following heavy rains and flooding that has affected a large number of residents in and around Port St Johns, the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Ms NN Mapisa-Nqakula has instructed the South African National Defence (SANDF) to intervene to help rescue and evacuate those affected by this natural disaster," the SANDF said in a statement.
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Motorists are advised to be vigilant and patient on the roads amid fog patches, heavy rainfall and traffic congestion. Communities are urged to avoid low lying areas and look after the safety of their children. #Governmentmessagesoftheday #DurbanFloods #KZNFloods
— GCIS_KwaZulu-Natal (@GCIS_KZN) April 23, 2019
Government urges communities to remain alert and take precautionary measure as severe thunderstorms and heavy rains are expected throughout the country today. #Governmentmessagesoftheday #DurbanFloods #KZNFloods
— GCIS_KwaZulu-Natal (@GCIS_KZN) April 23, 2019
Apparently this is at Umlazi H section ?? #DurbanFloods pic.twitter.com/JE4V93OUJv
— Mathang'etshitshi (@DumohNandi) April 23, 2019
#DurbanFloods - Rockview Road in Amanzimtoti pic.twitter.com/C6zXEpwCDz
— Rob Beezy (@TrafficSA) April 23, 2019
Congestion due to a mudslide on the N3 to PMB after the Mariannhill Toll Plaza. #KZNTraffic #KZNFloods
— ECR Traffic (@ecrtraffic) April 23, 2019
Shongweni Rd down to the Castle Farmers Market. #KZNTraffic #KZNFloods
— ECR Traffic (@ecrtraffic) April 23, 2019
Photo Credit : Nettow pic.twitter.com/ITmAKhZj7I
Heavy delays on N3 Eastbound at Marianhill Toll. #KZNTraffic #KZNFloods Photo Credit : SANRAL pic.twitter.com/3UyiVmES7f
— ECR Traffic (@ecrtraffic) April 23, 2019
