KwaZulu-Natal Faces More Flooding and Devastation Amidst Severe Weather

KwaZulu-Natal is experiencing another wave of flooding, severely affecting the region, especially eThekwini. Over 20 people have died due to flooding over the past two months, and the South African Weather Service has escalated warnings. More than 3,600 families have been displaced, with numerous homes destroyed. Authorities stress the importance of safety and urge residents to seek higher ground as additional storms are expected.

KwaZulu-Natal, particularly the eThekwini municipality, has recently suffered additional calamities due to heavy rains that worsened the already significant damage from previous floods. This adverse weather has compounded the plight of many residents, leading to further homelessness, disruptions in traffic, and impacts on local businesses. Over the past two months, the region has witnessed over 20 fatalities linked to flooding incidents.

In response to the situation, the South African Weather Service has heightened its alert to level 5, indicating heightened risks of flooding and severe weather conditions in the western and southern regions of the province. The forecast includes potential heavy downpours, significant lightning activity, and damaging winds, aggravating the emergency conditions in KwaZulu-Natal.

Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, the MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs in KwaZulu-Natal, addressed the adverse impacts of these floods, noting, “We have lost more than 20 people in the last two months, and we continue to count the costs, especially the destruction of public infrastructure like roads, clinics, and homes.” He further highlighted the ongoing struggles from previous devastating floods in 2022, emphasizing the immense financial costs associated with disaster recovery efforts.

The recent floods have led to the displacement of over 3,600 families and the destruction of 2,224 housing units, with many individuals still without adequate shelter. Various emergency services and organizations, including Gift of the Givers and the Al-Imdaad Foundation, are actively assisting the flood-affected individuals. Residents are being advised to remain indoors and minimize travel to ensure their safety amidst the severe weather conditions.

Reverend Buthelezi also expressed concern regarding the ongoing risks, urging individuals, “We strongly urge residents in low-lying areas, and those who are near river banks, to immediately move away and seek shelter on higher ground.” The situation in KwaZulu-Natal remains precarious as communities continue to brace themselves for further floods and storms, with safety measures paramount.

In conclusion, KwaZulu-Natal is grappling with the consequences of successive floods, which have resulted in casualties and significant infrastructure damage. With over 3,600 families displaced and the weather service issuing severe warnings, local authorities urge residents to prioritize safety. The combined impact of the recent storms alongside past floods underscores the urgent need for continued support and effective disaster management strategies.

Original Source: allafrica.com